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“Abhisheka” Promotion in Tissamaharama
July 22, 2025
Location: Tangalle Bus Stand, Hambantota District
Date of observation: 16th July 2025
Reported by: Ruchira Madushan
Overview:
A shop with the “Abhisheka” label was observed near the Tangalle Bus Stand in the Hambantota District. The shop, which is situated in a central and highly frequented area, uses subtle marketing strategies to maintain tobacco visibility. Its location raises concerns due to the close proximity to multiple educational institutions and training centers, putting a large population of students and youth at risk of exposure to tobacco promotion.
Location Details:
- 150 m from Tangalle Rahula College
- 1 km from Tangalle Boys’ National School
- 1 km from Tangalle Girls’ National School
- 1 km from the Ocean University
- 500 m from the National Apprentice and Industrial Training Authority (NAITA)
- 500 m from the ISHM Hotel School
- Surrounded by numerous tuition classes within a 1 km radius
The shop is situated in a highly frequented area near the Tangalle Bus Stand, making it visible to a wide cross-section of the public, including commuters, students, and families.
Implications and Concerns:
The location of the shop in close proximity to several schools, universities, and vocational training institutes raises significant concerns. The frequent presence of students and youth in the area means that even indirect or subtle forms of tobacco promotion can have a strong influence on rates of initiation. This observation points to the urgent need for stricter regulation and enforcement of laws that prohibit tobacco promotion near educational settings, in order to protect young people from the harmful influence of the tobacco industry.
