According to the existing law in Sri Lanka, betel nuts cannot contain tobacco, and the sale, distribution, possession, offering for sale and storage of tobacco-containing betel nuts is a punishable offense, the Lanka Public Health Inspectors Association says.
Commenting further on this matter, the treasurer of the association, M.A.C. Prasad, stated that the main reason why people in this country are susceptible to oral cancer is the consumption of tobacco-containing betel nuts and various chewing tobacco products.
Since oral cancer occupies a prominent place among the major types of cancer reported from Sri Lanka, he stated that the necessary legal measures will be strictly implemented to prohibit the use, sale and distribution of tobacco-containing betel nuts in the country.
Pointing out that public health inspectors across Sri Lanka are conducting regular inspections and raids in this regard with the sole aim of protecting public health, he stressed that the general public, as well as shop owners and businessmen, should act with a strong understanding and responsibility in this regard to avoid the risk of cancer.