Mathata Thitha shows significant progress

NADIRA GUNATILLEKE

Since January 1 this year the Government has been able to collect Rs. 7,982,610 as fines by filing 6,089 cases under the Tobacco and Alcohol Act 2006. This shows the significant progress achieved by Mathata Thitha programme (Fullstop to drugs and alcohol) implemented under the Mahinda Chinthanaya, Healthcare and Nutrition Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva said.

He said that during past 12 months 5,912 court cases have been completed and 4,798 cases have been filed. The Government earned Rs. 5,476,860 from those 4798 cases. There were 807 cases from Kandy district and 804 cases from Nugegoda area. The number of cases reported from Bandarawela is 663. There are 559 cases from Matara district and another 451 cases from Moneragala district.

During the past year Police and the Excise Department have raided 1,309 illegal liquor production places and illegal alcohol sales outlets. The amount of money earned by filing cases against them is Rs. 2,505,750. Minister de Silva also pointed out the importance of appointing Provincial Operation Committees.