Rajitha tells P’ment tobacco cultivation will be banned by 2020

The Government has decided to put a complete stop to tobacco cultivation in Sri Lanka before the end of 2020 and to introduce new laws to discourage smoking.

The new laws, which were recently approved by the Cabinet of Ministers, will prohibit the sale of cigarettes within a radius of 500 meters of schools, plain packing and also prohibit the sale of one cigarette at a time, mostly preferred by lower income groups.

Minister of Health, Nutrition and Indigenous Medicine Dr. Rajitha Senaratne told Parliament yesterday that 30,000 local farmers are engaged in tobacco cultivation in Sri Lanka and the Government will gradually introduce them to other crops to bring in their preferred income.

Explaining the rationale behind the stringent measure to put a stop to smoking in Sri Lanka, the Minister said: “All these measures will be brought in to discourage smoking. Purchasing a packet of cigarettes instead of purchasing a single stick will also discourage the smoker.”

According to Minister Senaratne, the World Health Organisation has recently commended the Government’s moves to discourage smoking. Adding to the list of bans, following the guidelines set by the National Authority on Tobacco and Alcohol (NATA) Act, liquor companies will be prevented from engaging in corporate social responsibility programs. (AH)