Pubdate: Sun, 28 Mar 1999 Source: Reuters Copyright: 1999 Reuters Limited. SRI LANKA BANS SMOKING IN STATE INSTITUTIONS COLOMBO, March 28 (Reuters) - Sri Lanka has prohibited smoking and the sale of cigarettes in all state institutions, the Ministry of Public Administration and Home Affairs said on Sunday. The ministry said advertising of any form for the promotion of smoking had also been banned in state institutions following recommendations made by the Presidential Task Force on Tobacco, Alcohol and Illicit Drugs. "Accepting sponsorships by state institutions from those who promote smoking should be prohibited," the statement added. Sri Lanka is reviewing plans to ban advertising of alcohol and tobacco products on radio, television and in the print media. The cabinet earlier accepted a recommendation by the Presidential Task Force that legislation be introduced to ban advertising of such products. The move sparked a storm of protest from liquor and tobacco companies, among the biggest tax payers and sponsors of sporting and other events in the country. - --- MAP posted-by: Patrick Henry