A rapid spread of electronic cigarettes (E-Cigarettes) has been observed in Sri Lanka, especially in rural areas, according to the Excise Department.
Commissioner General of the department, M.J. Gunasiri made the remarks after inspecting a stock of E-Cigarettes, worth around Rs. 500,000, which had been seized during raids conducted in the Gampaha and Ja-Ela areas.
Gunasiri said that investigations have revealed a high use of E-Cigarettes among school students and individuals below the age of 40 years, mostly in Colombo, Gampaha, and Panadura areas, and areas with a large population.
Stating that these E-Cigarettes are gradually being introduced to remote areas, he said complaints were recently received about a student from a prominent school in Ratnapura who had charged Rs. 20 for one puff of an E-Cigarette.
Gunasiri further said that E-Cigarettes are being sold and distributed via online platforms and they are mostly designed as smart watches, pen drives, power banks, and fragrant bottles.
He pointed out that the authorities are facing difficulties in identifying E-Cigarettes as they do not consist of the components of a normal cigarette but instead smell like various fruits, such as mango, orange, and cherry.
Each E-Cigarette consists of 50,000 to 60,000 puffs and can be utilised at any moment until it runs dry, while it is powered by being recharged electronically, he said.
As these E-Cigarettes produce smoke artificially, are highly toxic, highly addictive, and are highly carcinogenic they have been banned in several countries by the World Health Organization and the USA.
Investigations have revealed that electronic cigarettes are entering Sri Lanka via the Katunayake Airport, Colombo Port and other sea routes.
The Commissioner General of the Excise Department added that they are facing difficulties in containing the spread of E-Cigarettes as officials from the Education, Police, and Excise Department are unable to instantly identify the product. (NewsWire)