NATA Act to be strictly implemented during Kataragama perahera

National Authority on Tobacco and Alcohol chairman Prof Carlo Fonseka has requested the Moneragala District Secretary to implement the provisions of the National Authority on Tobacco and Alcohol Act to the letter in the Kataragama and Sella Kataragama sacred city during the Kataragama Esala perahera season to enable devotees attending the festival to engage in religious observances and rituals and view the perahera in an alcohol and smoke free environment.

In a letter addressed to the District Secretary and copied to the Diyawadana Nilame of the Kataragama Devalaya, police and other officials Prof Fonseka said special steps should be taken to prohibit the sale of cigarettes in the temporary restaurants and trade stalls.