Strict action on illicit fags will save lives - Prof. Carlo Fonseka

by Ananda KANNANGARA

The Government's endeavour of protecting 22,000 Sri Lankans who annually die from smoking could be achieved if law enforcement officers take deterrent action on manufacturers of illegal white cigarettes, National Alcohol and Tobacco Authority (NATA) Chairman Prof. Carlo Fonseka said.

He made these observations at a workshop held in Colombo on Friday. President, Jeewaka Foundation Manjari Peiris presided.

Prof. Fonseka commended the Government's `Mathata Thitha' program and said the objective was to eliminate the alcohol and tobacco consumption through the program.

Referring to statistics, Prof. Fonseka said the `Mathata Thitha' concept has shown fruitful results and this could be strengthened further if all important sectors in the society such as the clergy, politicians, teachers, medical professionals and parents extend their co-operation to make this program a success.

He also urged the Police, Excise Department, Customs, Public Health Inspectors and members of the Legal and Judicial services to take stringent action on illegal cigarette manufacturers and drug users. He said the ban on selling tobacco related products in the vicinity of schools, educational institutions, religious places, restaurants, bars and at welfare shops in work places must be strictly implemented. "If the battle against tobacco related products is carried out, valuable lives of the younger generation could be saved from lung cancer, heart diseases, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and serious respiratory conditions.