Govt. instructs Legal Draftsman to prepare Bill to amend National Authority on Tobacco and Alcohol Act

Health Minister  Keheliya Rambukwella

In a significant move to enhance the regulation and oversight of the tobacco and alcohol industry, the 

Government has instructed the Legal Draftsman to prepare a Bill to amend the National Authority on Tobacco and Alcohol Act No. 27 of 2006.

The proposal to this effect submitted by Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella was approved by the Cabinet of Ministers at its meeting on Monday. 

The move aims to amend the National Authority on Tobacco and Alcohol Act No. 27 of 2006, to empower the appointment of a Medical Officer of Health and Additional Medical Officer of Health as authorised officers.

The Government is expected to address the specific roles and responsibilities of the authorised officers by granting them the necessary powers to investigate, take legal action, and impose penalties against entities and individuals found to be in violation of the provisions outlined in the National Authority on Tobacco and Alcohol Act.