Alcohol is one of the major factors that increase the incidents of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), Health Services Director General Dr.Palitha Mahipala said.

Addressing media in Colombo he added that the rapidly increasing NCDs is a major health issue in the country. Nutrition issues are another factor that contributes towards increasing NCDs. The most number of over nourished children are from the Colombo District.

The percentage of overweight people in Sri Lanka is 22 percent. According to Dr. Mahipala, the health cost of smoking is LKR 212 billion and this subject will be brought into the notice of the Cabinet by President Sirisena shortly. Measures will be taken to address this issue soon. Smoking is one of the major reasons for the rapidly increasing incidents of NCDs.

Dr.Mahipala pointed out that the Health Ministry has taken a policy decision to bring NCD Unit, Nutrition Unit, Cancer Control Unit under one umbrella and function under one Deputy Director General in order to make sure that a better service delivered to the people. A circular has already been issued prohibiting serving sugar added tea and now tea and sugar should be served separately.