NGOs hail Tobacco and Alcohol Authority Bill

SRI LANKA Federation of Non-Governmental Organisations Against Drug Abuse - SL FONGOADA umbrella organisation of NGOs working against drug abuse in Sri Lanka expresses its serious concern over alcohol and tobacco related social consequences and fully endorses the Tobacco and Alcohol Authority proposal submitted to the Parliament by Ven. Dr. Omalpe Sobitha Thera a release by SL FONGOADA said.

SL FONGOADA is of the view that all citizens in the country should support the Bill as alcohol and tobacco are considered gateway to the usage of hard drugs such as heroin and cannabis.

The injecting drug use and risky sexual practices by drug users were found to have increased the tendencies for HIV transmission leading to AIDS.

The WHO being concerned of the adverse consequences of alcohol and tobacco, initiated a Framework Convention on Tobacco and Alcohol entering into force from February 28.

The Malaysian Government implementing the anti smoking initiatives imposed a ban on small cigarette packs; while Singapore banned smoking in bus shelters and depots, public toilets, swimming complexes, stadiums and community clubs.

The Tobacco and Alcohol Authority Bill is a move in the right direction to freeing Sri Lanka from the grip of alcohol and tobacco, the message said.