The Southern Provincial Ministry of Agriculture declared open an outlet for agricultural products in the town of Matara on Thursday.

UNP Parliamentarian Buddhika Pathirana also took part in the event. Governor of the Southern Province Hemakumara Nanayakkara attended the event as its chief guest.

Governor of the Southern Province, Hemakumara Nanayakkara stated that there is a negative mindset in people regarding commonly available fruits because there is belief that ‘those fruits are not up to status’. And there is a demand for apples,grapes and oranges .

“Nearly 55 persons die of the use of tobacco daily,” said UNP Parliamentarian,Buddhika Pathirana

He went on to explain that according to the Tobacco and Alcohol Act, it is an offence for an institution which imports, manufactures or distributes tobacco or alcohol to the country to grant or obtain sponsorship for events of sports associations or any affiliated events, because nearly 20,000 patients diagnosed of diseases caused by the use of tobacco, die per year . The parliamentarian pointed out “and so when you divide 20,000 by 365, it comes to a total of 54.7, which is nearly 55.”

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