In an official release, the Chemicals and Fertilisers Ministry said the decision has been taken in view of the extraordinary circumstances arising due to the pandemic which has resulted in volatility in Maximum Retail Prices (MRP) of oxygen concentrators.
For tobacco control, two specified targets of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are highly relevant.
The first is strengthening the implementation of the World Health Organisation (WHO) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) while the second is reducing premature mortality from non-communicable diseases by 30 per cent.
Furthermore, the Addis Ababa Action Agenda, which aims to provide a global framework for financing SDGs, also highlights tax and price measures on tobacco as key mechanisms to reduce demand and save lives while increasing domestic resources for development.
Among the various tobacco control interventions, raising excise taxes has been identified as the most effective as well as the most cost-effective measure to reduce consumption.
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GIEWS Country Brief: Sri Lanka 23-December-2020
Format
• Record cereal production obtained in 2020
• Cereal import requirements in 2020 forecast below five-year average
• Domestic prices of rice above year-earlier levels throughout 2020
• Food security overall good, but COVID-19 pandemic having negative impact on vulnerable households
Area planted with 2021 main “Maha” cereal crops forecast above-average level
The bulk of the 2021 main “Maha” paddy crop, accounting for about 70 percent of the annual production, was planted between October and December. Harvesting operations are expected to start in February. Overall, precipitation amounts since October have been close to average over the main paddy producing areas, benefitting planting activities and germination of crops. The attractive prices and Government support in the form of free irrigation water and fertilizer subsidies are also expected to sustain plantings. Favourable precipitations also supported the