Tobacco cultivation on Mahaweli lands allocated to cultivate paddy is rapidly increasing. The officials should reveal the legal position of this process, Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) Secretary Dr. Navin de Zoysa said.
Dr. Zoysa said drying tobacco by fogging is promoted at homes in the Mahaweli region.
Addressing a press conference in Colombo yesterday, he said a large number have become victims of various respiratory diseases due to this 'home based business’.
The medical officer of health of the area is fighting against this. The GMOA 100 percent backs the Ipalogama MOH, who is openly fighting against the tobacco menace, Dr. de Zoysa said.
"The Pradeshiya Sabhas of relevant areas have cancelled 'Environmental Permits’ for this business. The health authorities should present correct technical information in support of on going legal action to ensure the people's safety," he said.
Dr. de Zoysa also said the GMOA appreciates services of Health Minister Dr. Rajitha Senaratne, Health Services Director General Dr. Palitha Mahipala and health authorities towards President Maithripala Sirisena's aim to stop depending on tobacco based income by 2020.