CTC in Sri Lanka: Still Advertising (Just Denying It!)

Text of advertisement: "Move towards the most happening place in town - the Blue Elephant. Five of the best DJ's from Sri Lanka will spin the best of progressive house musice from 10pm - 4am. Rs: 500/-nett for gents and you lovely ladies will get in free. Come down and chill out at the Blue Elephant where time stands still, while you party on."

by Manjari Peiris, Journalist
August 28, 2003

The Sri Lanka tobacco company, CTC says that they have voluntarily stopped tobacco advertising and sponsorships through media. The attached advertisement appeared in the Daily News of Friday, the 25th of July 2003. Here this advertisement depicts Benson & Hedges brand name. You may clearly observe how they indirectly advertise their products.!

This particular advertiment clearly proves that the tobacco company now targets women in Sri Lanka to smoking by inserting a picture of a woman. This invitation is for youth and it is just another atempt of the CTC to link smoking with entertainment which is very vital for youth.

The real motive behind the CTC who pretends that they have voluntarily stopped promotions and advertisements through mass media is now transparent. As the majority of the total population in Sri Lanka is young women this will be a blue-chip investment for the company.