Call for strict implementation of tobacco ban

by Ananda KANNANGARA

The ban on selling tobacco-related products in the vicinity of schools, educational institutions, religious places and welfare shops in workplaces must be strictly implemented so that the 20,000 deaths annually reported in our country due to smoking could be reduced to a great extent, National Alcohol and Tobacco Authority Chairman, Prof. Carlo Fonseka said.

Prof. Fonseka made these observations at the launch of the book titled 'Doctors and Tobacco', translated by Jeewaka Foundation President and senior media personality Manjari Peiris. A number of journalists who made contributions in favour of tobacco control activities were presented with mementos at the ceremony.

Speaking on the ill-effects of smoking, Prof. Fonseka thanked Manjari Peiris for the invaluable role she plays to eliminate the smoking habit from society.

"We need more media personalities such as Manjari Peiris to fight tobacco-related products in the country, so that many could be saved from lung cancers, heart diseases, sudden infant death syndrome, low birth weight and serious respiratory conditions," he said.

Prof. Fonseka also highlighted several steps taken by the Government to conduct frequent tobacco control programs and called upon media, police and Excise Department personnel and doctors to help eliminate smoking and the sale of cigarettes.

He also predicted the country will be free from tobacco by 2015 if all respective authorities take an interest in this regard.