SRI LANKA BANS SMOKING IN STATE INSTITUTIONS

COLOMBO, March 28 (Reuters) - Sri Lanka has prohibited smoking and
the sale of cigarettes in all state institutions, the Ministry of
Public Administration and Home Affairs said on Sunday.

The ministry said advertising of any form for the promotion of smoking
had also been banned in state institutions following recommendations
made by the Presidential Task Force on Tobacco, Alcohol and Illicit
Drugs.

"Accepting sponsorships by state institutions from those who promote
smoking should be prohibited," the statement added.

Sri Lanka is reviewing plans to ban advertising of alcohol and tobacco
products on radio, television and in the print media.

The cabinet earlier accepted a recommendation by the Presidential Task
Force that legislation be introduced to ban advertising of such products.

The move sparked a storm of protest from liquor and tobacco companies,
among the biggest tax payers and sponsors of sporting and other events
in the country.