The Kilinochchi Magistrate’s Court has imposed fines on 11 shop owners for selling cigarettes to schoolchildren, following investigations carried out by the police.
According to police, the traders operate businesses within the Kilinochchi town area and were found to have sold cigarettes to school students, including those attending private tuition classes.
The investigations were launched based on intelligence gathered by officers attached to the Divisional Intelligence Unit. Following the inquiry, legal action was instituted against 13 shop owners before the Kilinochchi Magistrate’s Court.
After hearing the cases, the court imposed a fine of Rs. 20,000 each on 11 of the accused shop owners.
Police also stated that the court issued warrants against two other shop owners who failed to appear before the court.
Authorities say enforcement operations aimed at preventing the sale of tobacco products to minors will continue as part of efforts to protect children and ensure compliance with existing tobacco control laws.
