Will uplift the standard of public health by controlling tobacco consumption

Chief Guest of the evening, Prof Chandrika Wijeyaratne, Vice-chancellor of the University of Colombo commenced her speech by assuring that the University will give the best of support in taking the initiative forward. “I’m very proud of the CCT for having given the leadership in creating this regional initiative, particularly in establishing a single SARC-CCT and I wish you the best. I’m sure we can collectively network to control the tobacco epidemic in the very epicentre of chronic noncommunicable diseases (NCDS) and thereby set an example to the rest of the world. Sri Lanka has always been a regional and world-leader in the health category and we believe in uplifting the standard of public health by controlling the costly menace such as tobacco. Let me recapitulate some of our own experiences during our career development. Our teachers addressed the key determinants of health rather than concentrating on cures. Over the past four decades, even our forefathers imbibed in us to have that deep sense of obligation and commitment to carry the flag forward.

They have made us see the big picture of poverty and vulnerability to the causative agents causing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). May the South Asian effort of the CCT grow from strength to strength for the betterment of people in our region who look to us health professionals as the national investment that we have sacrificed so much for.”