The 13th World Conference on Tobacco OR Health

Cigarette manufacture & marketing - a monopoly of the Ceylon Tobacco Company having 95% ownership of BAT. CTC enjoys a privileged position having close links with government. Has successfully delayed promulgation of comprehensive legislation for tobacco control.

Corporate 'Good Guy' Efforts

Voluntarily removing all billboards and hoarding used for promotion of smoking and all public signs for Brand advertising; Restricted advertising to Point of Sale; No advertising over print media; Socially engaged in tsunami rehabilitation; Sponsorship of cultural events;

Subtle ways of promotion with outward 'good guy' image

Acceptance of tobacco as hazardous but smoking an adult choice; Sticker 'NOT FOR MINORS', strategically placed to catch eye of minors. Liberal Support for events closely connected with youth and children; Support to performin artistes linked with product placement in teledramas and films; Financial support to political parties; Subtle promotion of brand names

Aggressive strategies Threat of litigation; Attempts at character assassination

Combating Corporate "Good Guy" Efforts

Using FCTC as leverage to combat industry efforts; Awareness building especially among Youth to make them realize their vulnerability; Public rallies demanding tobacco control legislation; Supreme Court ruling that Bill presented by Private member for tobacco control was not ultra vires the constitution when challenged by industry a great victory; Establishing No Smoking Zones; Public exposure of "Good Guy" Efforts of industry; Giving publicity to what's happening in the outside world; Bringing pressure on Government to heed its public health responsibilities and election pledges