President Maithripala Sirisena says the Cabinet of Ministers should take steps to approve the proposal tabled by him to the Cabinet to increase the tax on tobacco products to 90 percent without taking much time.

The President requested all the Ministers and MPs not to take the responsibility of making the whole nation ill by postponing the duties we should fulfill today, for tomorrow. He made this request whilst participating at the opening of the newly built building complex at the Maharagama Apeksha Cancer Hospital.

Addressing the ceremony, the President further said that he was the only Health Minister in the world who had to present facts to defend his actions before the directors of the 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 paying attention to the prevention of diseases, as well as strengthening the treatments provided. He also said that the Government had paid special attention to eliminate the shortage of human resources in the field of health.

Ministers Rajitha  Senaratne, Western Province Chief Minister, Isura Devapriya, Deputy Minister, Faizar Kasim, Commissioner of Co- operative, D. Jeewananda , members of the society and many others participated in this event.