According to the Ministry of Healthcare and Nutrition, there is tobacco related death in every 8 seconds.

Smoking is the most important preventable cause of premature death in the world. Long-term smoker, on average life expectancy is about 10 years less than a non-smoker. Many smoking-related deaths are not 'quick deaths' and have to suffer several years of illness and distressing symptoms before you die. Also smoking by itself increases the risk of coronary heart disease, Lung cancer, cancers of the mouth, nose, throat, larynx, gullet (oesophagus), pancreas,bladder, cervix, blood (leukaemia), and kidney ,Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), hypertension, diabetes.

Therefore, the Sri Lanka's Health Ministry has decided to give it the highest priority due to the sharp rise in COPD and other lung diseases in the cities and outside. (ST/KH)