The Ceylon Teachers’ Union (CTU) has urged the Ministry of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education to implement proper programmes to prevent schoolchildren from engaging in harmful behaviour, including the growing use of e-cigarettes.

Speaking to The Daily Morning, CTU President Priyantha Fernando noted that although the sale of e-cigarettes was prohibited in Sri Lanka, many individuals continued to purchase them through online platforms. 

With no proper monitoring programmes in place at present, he claimed that schoolchildren were increasingly gaining access to these devices and becoming addicted. 

“In many schools, certain senior students bring these devices into schools and recruit younger students as brokers to sell puffs to others. In some cases, outsiders are using older students to smuggle devices into schools, offering them commissions in return. 

“In the past, there were proper monitoring programmes to prevent such behaviour. Even now, teachers and principals do their best within their scope, but the ministry should come up with appropriate measures,” he added.

Ministry Secretary Nalaka Kaluwewa was not available for comment.

The Medical and Civil Rights Professional Association of Doctors also revealed recently that puffs of e-cigarettes were being sold in schools for prices upwards of Rs. 20. 

Its President Dr. Chamal Sanjeewa added that this trend could largely be seen in districts such as Galle, Matara, Hambantota, Kandy, Gampaha, and Kurunegala. He warned that these devices were linked to mental confusion, the lack of concentration, and increased irritability among students.