Sri Lanka, for the third time, won the World No Tobacco Day Award – 2017, bestowed by the World Health Organization (WHO) for the WHO Regions for their accomplishments in the area of tobacco control.

The award was officially presented to President Maithripala Sirisena by the Regional Director of WHO South-East Asia Region Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh today (Nov. 23) at the Waters Edge Hotel in Battaramulla.

The President then handed over the award to the Chairman- National Authority on Tobacco and Alcohol (NATA) Dr. Palitha Abeykoon.

President Sirisena received the same award in 2014 as then Health Minister for his service rendered to minimize the consumption of tobacco to ensure the betterment of the people. In 2014 Health Minister Rajitha Senaratne received this award.

Speaking at the occasion Dr. Singh said Sri Lanka has become an exemplary country in its commitment to control alcohol and tobacco.