By Manjari Peiris

The Chairman of the National Authority on Tobacco & Alcohol (NATA), Dr. Samadhi Rajapaksa has written to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa expressing his gratitude for reconsidering to people's plea and taking action for the closure of bars on 21 April 2020.

Dr Samadhi states; " It is clear that the majority of people have now realized and considering you as the true leader of Sri Lankans, committed for people's good health and welfare. I do hope that you will stick to this policy and continue to rule this country in Dasarajadharma, including, virtue (seela), uprightness (riju), harmlessness (avihina), non-ill wiliness (akrodha), as admonished by the Buddha to rulers ."

He has also explained that alcohol and tobacco use are the main and preventable causes for causing non-communicable diseases, including cancer and heart diseases. They have a significant relevance to contracting COVID - 19 virus as well.

The direct and indirect costs of tobacco and alcohol amount greater than the government revenue from tobacco and alcohol taxes. The economic costs of both these products are higher than the revenue that the government is receiving as tax revenue.

"More than that according to the Buddha, "Health is wealth" (aaryoga parama labha).", he stated.

Stay Safe, Stay at Home, Stay Informed, But Don't Forget to Wash Your Hands.

- Asian Tribune -