News

Alcohol and tobacco: NATA ready to tighten screws

Published

6 years ago

2020/08/24

NATA Chairman Dr. Samadhi Rajapaksa says that amendments will be be introduced to the National Authority on Tobacco and Alcohol Act (No. 27 of 2006) soon to ban the sale of single cigarettes and 180 ml (quarter) bottles of liquor.

Addressing a workshop on preparing an action plan to curtail the use of tobacco and alcohol for countrywide health education officials at Waters Edge Hotel in Battaramulla last week, Dr Rajapaksa said that NATA hoped to introduce revolutionary measures within the next five years to ensure that the country was safe from the harm caused by alcohol and tobacco.

He said that existing laws would be changed to empower the legal framework to curtail alcohol and tobacco use and to introduce new policies. The powers vested in Medical Officers of Health, Assistant Medical Officers of Health and Customs officers would be enhanced to make their services against alcohol and tobacco effective.

Dr Rajapaksa said that certain persons smoke in public places even though they knew they were violating the law. He added that stringent legal action should be taken against them. As per the law, enclosed public places were smoking free zones. Laws would be changed to ban smoking in all public places, he said.

Dr. Rajapaksa said that sale of products made from betel and areca nut would be regulated. As per the existing law, the sale of betel with tobacco was banned but that law was not properly enforced.

The sale of 180 ml bottles of liquor had increased in the recent times and consequently anti-social activities had increased. Empty bottles were discarded haphazardly.

He recommended that tax on tobacco and alcohol should be increased. Even though the government received more revenue via the consumption of those items it would decline if taxes were increased. However, health hazards caused to people could be minimised.

“Increasing the taxes on alcohol and tobacco is a strategy approved by the World Health Organisation to reduce their consumption. However, the businessmen here found a method to ensure the access of low income by selling cigarettes single (loose) and by promoting quarter bottles of 180 ml liquor.”

Director of Health Promotion Bureau Dr Palitha Karunaprema also addressed the workshop.

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The book “Intimidated?” presents a significant and timely contribution to understanding challenges, resilience, and innovation in the modern world, offering valuable insights for education, research, and social transformation – PM

Published

60 mins ago

2026/03/30

Priyan

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya made these remarks while participating in the book launch of “Intimidated?” authored by Professor Suranga Nanayakkara, Head of Department at the National University of Singapore, held on Saturday 28 March 2026 at the Lotus Hall of BMICH.

Authored by Professor Suranga Nanayakkara, the book “Intimidated?” reflects on contemporary global and personal challenges, innovation, and the importance of resilience, offering readers a thoughtful and inspiring perspective grounded in academic experience and global exposure. The publication, along with its English translation, was ceremonially presented to the Prime Minister during the event.

Congratulating the author on this important publication, the Prime Minister stated that such scholarly work plays a vital role in inspiring future generations, particularly students and young researchers, to think critically, embrace challenges, and contribute meaningfully to society. She further emphasized the importance of knowledge-sharing and innovation in shaping a progressive and inclusive educational environment in Sri Lanka.

The Prime Minister also ceremonially launched the programme to distribute 5,000 copies of the book free of charge to students and educational institutions, highlighting the importance of making knowledge accessible to a wider audience.

The event was attended by Deputy Minister of Digital Economy Eranga Weeraratne, Secretary to the Ministry of Education Nalaka Kaluwewa, family members of Professor Suranga Nanayakkara, university Vice Chancellors, professors and lecturers, senior officials of the Ministry of Education, school principals, students, and invited guests.

(Prime Minister’s Media Division)

News

It is the government’s objective to create an education system that provides every child with access to modern technological opportunities — Prime Minister

Published

1 hour ago

2026/03/30

Priyan

Prime Minister, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, stated that it is the government’s objective to establish an education system that ensures every child has access to modern technological opportunities.

The Prime Minister made these remarks while attending the opening ceremony of the National Competition of the World Robot Olympiad (WRO), that aims to elevate the technological skills of Sri Lanka’s younger generation to international standards, held on Saturday (28) at Burhani Serendib College in Colombo.

A total of 66 teams from schools across the island participated in this year’s competition, marking a threefold increase compared to last year. The event was held under the theme “Robots Meet Culture,” and over 500 students, presented creations blending local culture with modern engineering concepts.

Expressing her views, the Prime Minister stated:

“In today’s rapidly evolving world, giving priority to the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) should be a national priority.

Platforms such as the World Robot Olympiad provide opportunities for our younger generation to develop essential skills such as logical thinking, innovation, and teamwork”,

Sri Lanka participated in the International Robot Olympiad held in Singapore in 2025, with two teams representing the country, which marked a highly significant and enriching experience for our children.

The Prime Minister further emphasized that the government remains committed to building an education system that enables every child to benefit from such technological opportunities.

The event was attended by the Secretary to the Prime Minister, Pradeep Saputhanthri, officials from the Indian High Commission, government officials, and school students.

(Prime Minister’s Media Division)

Latest News

Heat Index likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, Eastern, North-western, Northern and North-central provinces and in Monaragala district

Published

2 hours ago

2026/03/30

Priyan

Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 29 March 2026, valid for 30 March 2026.

The Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, Eastern, North-western, Northern and North-central provinces and in Monaragala district.

The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.

Effect of the heat index on human body is mentioned in the above table and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.

ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated.
Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.

Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491.