Pictorial warnings on cigarette packets – Court of Appeal issues determination
The Court of Appeal on Monday determined that pictorial warnings will be displayed on between 50 to 60 percent of the surface of a packet of cigarettes, with 40 percent of the surface area to be allocated for the manufacturer’s details.The Court of Appeal issued this determination on Monday after considering a writ petition filed by Ceylon Tobacco Company PLC, against a decision taken by the Minister of Health to print pictorial warnings on cigarette packets.
The petition was considered and a determination reached by a two-judge bench of the Court of Appeal, comprising of Justice Anil Gunaratne and Malani Gunaratne.
President’s Counsel Faiz Mustapha, President’s Counsel Ali Sabrin and Attorney at Law Nehran Kareem appeared for Ceylon Tobacco Company PLC while Deputy Solicitor General Janaka de Silva appeared for the Minister of Health.
In their petition, Ceylon Tobacco Company PLC noted that a pictorial warning covering 35 percent of the surface of a packet of cigarettes would suffice.
