Sri Lanka to introduce graphic warnings

Graphic health warnings are to be included on cigarette packs sold in Sri Lanka, according to the Daily News quoting the country’s health ministry.

The Health Minister, Maithiripala Sirisena, said the gazette notification of the warnings requirement would be published in March.

He was quoted as saying that he would not be influenced to change his decision by any power. “I will never bow down to the tobacco industry or any other company related to the tobacco industry,” he added.

The story said that warnings covering ‘at least 80 per cent of the pack’ were ‘essential’.