Last updated: February 11, 2024

Warnings/Messages Content

Does the content of the warnings/messages address:
Health impacts
Yes
Advice on cessation (e.g., the benefits of cessation or steps to take to stop smoking)
No
Addictive nature of tobacco
No
Adverse economic and social outcomes
No
Impact of tobacco use on friends and family
Yes
Quitline phone number and/or website
No
Description of current required warnings/messages:

Regulations require four categories of health warnings. In category one, the text of the warning reads in Sinhala, Tamil and English: “Your Smoking Makes Children Ill.” The text must be accompanied by one of two pictures of hospitalized infants.

In category two, the text of the warning reads in Sinhala, Tamil and English: “Smoking Causes Heart Disease.” There is only one picture of a hospitalized man.

In category three, the text of the warning reads in Sinhala, Tamil and English: “Smoking Causes Cancer.” The text must be accompanied by one of four pictures depicting individuals with mouth, neck and jaw cancer.

In category four, the text of the warning reads in Sinhala, Tamil and English: “Smoking Causes Sexual Impotence.” There is only one picture of a bent cigarette.

All health warnings must be printed on either a black background in white letters or on a white background in black letters.