President urges Cabinet to swiftly approve tobacco tax hike proposal

President Maithripala Sirisena says the Cabinet of Ministers should take steps to quickly approve the proposal tabled by him to increase the tax on tobacco products to 90%. 

The President requested all Ministers and MPs to avoid postponing their duties and making a whole country ill. He made this request while participating in the opening of the newly-built building complex at the Maharagama Apeksha Cancer Hospital, on 3 September. 

The President also engaged in the distribution of food to patients being treated at the Cancer Hospital to mark his birthday on 3 September.

The President cut a cake with children who were being treated at the hospital and also presented them with gifts.

Later, the newly built six-storied building complex was vested with the public by the President.

President Sirisena also inspected the newly-established bone marrow transplant unit and the special care child unit at the hospital.

Addressing the ceremony, the President added that he had been the only Health Minister in the world to present facts to defend his actions before the directors of tobacco companies. 

As a result of that the people of this country brought him to the position of President, he said. 

The President pointed out the importance of preventing diseases and strengthening treatment. He also said that the Government had paid special attention to eliminating the shortage of human resources in the health sector.   

Ministers Rajitha Senaratne and Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe, Western Province Chief Minister Isura Devapriya, Director General of Health Services Dr. Palitha Mahipala, Director of the Maharagama Apeksha hospital Wilfred Kumarasiri, people who made financial contributions toward the construction of the building complex, Karim Ansar and Ameen Ansar participated in this event.