Introduction:
The effects depend on the number of years that a person smokes and the number of sticks the person smokes. Starting smoking earlier in life and smoking high amount of cigarettes increases the risk of chronic diseases. Thus the awareness should be provided to the young generation before tobacco reaches them.

Objectives:
To raise the knowledge of school students on harmful effects of tobacco products including smokeless tobacco and industrial strategies.

Methods:
This study was conducted for selected school students in Anuradhapura district. Convenient sampling method was used. Participants were divided into groups according to their grades. The opinions on smoking were assessed using an innovative tool called “mirror tool” which compares the face of a smoker, non-smoker and a mirror. Then interactive group discussions were carried out about the harm of tobacco usage and industrial strategies used by the commercial groups to promote smoking. In additionally some video clips and pictures were used to illustrate short term and long term harms of smoking.

Results:
The participants showed a tendency of improving awareness of harmful effects on tobacco products through the workshop. Knowledge of industrial strategies was improved among study participants.

Conclusion(s):
Knowledge of harmful effects and industrial strategies can be improved among school students by improving their understanding through interactive group discussions.