In a statement in connection with the launch of the programme 'A wholesome agriculture - a healthy populace - a toxin free nation,' Abeykoon had stated that diabetes and other Non Communicable Diseases (NCDs) had reached pandemic proportions in the country. Due to the injecting of hormone laced meats, our under aged girls as young as six or seven years old are attaining puberty at an alarming rate, while childhood obesity was skyrocketing.

The inauguration ceremony of the three year programme would be held at the Colombo BMICH, from March 6 to 8 under the patronage of President Maithripala Sirisena.

The highlights of this three day inauguration programme are the availability of low cost and toxin free foods, organic foods, ready to eat foods, educational conferences, discussions and workshops, the availability of organic cultivation techniques, agricultural equipment, organic fertiliser, exhibitions and cultural show.

The public could purchase organic food, especially rice at a low price. Usually the prices of such items are very high in the market.

The Samurdhi Ministry would take part on the first day, while the Agricultural Ministry would take part on the second day of the programme. The Health Ministry would take part on the third and final day of the three day programme. Chefs, scholars, etc., would participate in this programme to educate the public on poison free food, new and interesting methods of preparing food stuffs.