A workshop on “Awareness on Smokeless Tobacco: Health Risks, Prevention, and Professional Responsibility”

A workshop on “Awareness on Smokeless Tobacco: Health Risks, Prevention, and Professional Responsibility” was conducted on 04^th August 2026 from 9.00 am to 12.30 pm at the Main Auditorium, Faculty of Indigenous Medicine, University of Colombo. The programme was organized by the Subcommittee on Smokeless Tobacco of the National Authority on Tobacco and Alcohol (NATA) in collaboration with the Career Guidance Unit (CGU), Faculty of Indigenous Medicine. Workshop was aimed at improving students’ awareness of the health consequences, preventive strategies and professional responsibilities associated with smokeless tobacco use.

The programme was conducted for the BAMS/BUMS students of the 2023/2024 batch, with the participation of 172 students together with academic staff members of the Faculty.

The main objectives of the workshop were to:

• Increase students’ awareness of different forms of smokeless tobacco and their associated health risks.
• Enhance understanding of the burden of smokeless tobacco use in Sri Lanka.
• Improve knowledge regarding prevention strategies and tobacco-control measures.
• Encourage students to participate actively in health promotion and tobacco-prevention activities.
• Provide expert guidance on public health approaches and the professional responsibilities of healthcare professionals in combating smokeless tobacco use.

The sessions were conducted by resource persons with expertise in tobacco control, oral health, community dentistry, public health and tobacco cessation.

The programme included presentations on:

1. Tobacco Control in Sri Lanka – Role of NATA – Dr. Ananda Rathnayaka, Chairman, NATA.
2. Burden and Oral Health Effects of Smokeless Tobacco – Prof. Hemantha Amarasinghe.
3. Determinants of Smokeless Tobacco in Sri Lanka – Dr. Nilantha Ratnayake.
4. Strategies for Control and Prevention of Smokeless Tobacco in Sri Lanka – Mr. Pubudu Sumanasekara.
5. Smokeless Tobacco Cessation: Prevention, Counseling and Patient Care – Prof. Ruwan Jayasinghe.

The workshop provided an important educational platform for improving awareness among future healthcare professionals regarding the harmful effects of smokeless tobacco. It was also encouraged students to recognize their future professional responsibility in community health promotion and prevention of tobacco-related harm.

Dr. R. H. S. K. De Silva
Coordinator of the Workshop

Dr. J. M. Dahanayake
Coordinator of the Workshop

Dr. S. Weerasekara
Coordinator of the Workshop