Tobacco cultivation will be halted by 2020 – Rajitha

Minister of Health, Nutrition and Indigenous Medicine Rajitha Senaratne stated a concerted effort is being rendered by the government to curb smoking within Sri Lanka and that he will ensure that the cultivation of tobacco will be halted within the country by 2020.

Minister Senaratne expressed his views while speaking to a gathering at Temple Trees yesterday (11).

It was also stated that the percentage of smokers within the country had declined by 46% percent. Minister Senaratne stated that preventive measures will be taken to eradicate smoking within Sri Lanka. As a primary initiative he stated that steps are being taken to ban the sale of cigarettes in close proximity to schools to deter children from getting addicted. 

The Minister of Health further stated that certain pharmacists and Doctors regulate the distribution of certain high-end drugs that are available only in foreign markets. He stated that Government funds will be allocated to halt such practices and to facilitate the public with the best medical care that there is on offer.