COLOMBO (NewsRadio); Approximately 110 individuals succumb daily due to smoking and alcohol use in Sri Lanka.
The National Authority on Tobacco and Alcohol has highlighted the concerning trend in the country and the need for stricter laws to deter such practices.
Speaking during a media briefing at the Department of Government Information, Chairman of the NATA Dr. Samadhi Rajapaksa said it is unacceptable that some legislators and the clergy are promoting the use of illicit drugs and alcohol.
Dr. Rajapaksa noted around 40,000 individuals die annually due to smoking and tobacco use.
He said such families are affected severely and at some instances such deaths create various other social issues.
Dr. Samadhi Rajapaksa is of the view; that the proposed tax formula on tobacco will deter people from smoking and will lead to a reduction in deaths.
He said the government can also generate an additional income of Rs.11 billion through the tax revision.
Chairman of the NATA Dr. Samadhi Rajapaksa accused some legislators of being reluctant to enact stricter laws against the use of tobacco and alcohol, since some are linked to or maintain taverns.
He proposed to revise the taxes and enact stricter laws against the use of tobacco and alcohol.
