Introduction:
Tobacco smoking is a major determinant of higher mortality and morbidity in Sri Lanka. Annually, around 20000 people are died from tobacco in Sri Lanka.

Objectives:
The aims of the study were to stop or reduce selling of cigarettes and to reduce smoking in Ipalogama division, Sri Lanka through community based interventions.

Methods:
The Interventions were implemented by a group of 27 community members (17 children, 7 males and 3 government officers) trained on health promotion approach. The target group was 480 males, including 25 retail shop owners who sell cigarettes in 08 ‘Grama Niladhari’ (G.N.) divisions in Ipalogama division. Interventions were for one year period. The initial interventions implemented by trained group included, group discussions with target group about real harm of tobacco, higher availability and about company promotions. The specific interventions included, formal and informal discussions with retail shop owners who sell cigarettes and pasting posters about changes in physical appearance due to tobacco use by children in shops where cigarettes are sold. The changes were assessed through interviewer administered questionnaires, focus group discussions (FGDs) and observations.

Results:
After 06 months, 25 smokers in target group quit. Out of 25 shop owners who sold cigarettes, 20 (80%) stopped selling cigarettes and 3 (12%) reduced the number of cigarette bundles that they hire for selling after the interventions. All children (100%, n=17) who implemented the interventions changed positive attitudes related to smoking. According to FGDs with the trained group, they had started to discuss about results and challenges in implementing the decided interventions. Trained group collectively developed strategies and redirected some efforts to improve the effectiveness and the attractive image about public smoking was reduced, especially among children.

Conclusion(s):
The community based interventions were effective in reducing tobacco smoking and mobilizing retail shop owners who sell cigarettes to stop or reduce selling.