The World No-Tobacco Day is commemorated throughout the world each year. Sri Lanka in 1995 parallel to this day, launched the flag week with the objective of raising awareness and funds for social development programs.

The anti-tobacco flag day to mark the World No Tobacco day has been an annual event since 1996 and from 2005 onwards its overall program has been upgraded under the guidance of President Mahinda Rajapaksa to make it a more viable social development venture.

This year the for the 19th consecutive year, the flag campaign will commence from May 31 to June 10  to raise funds for social welfare programs. In addition awareness programs are to be conducted from May 31 to June 10

The monies collected throughout the island are channeled to a Social Development Fund set up under the relevant district secretaries at regional level and  are utilized for social welfare activities such as raising the livelihoods of low income groups in each divisional secretariat.

Economic Development Ministry Secretary Dr.Nihal Jayatilleke, Director General of Divi Neguma R.A.A.K.Ranawaka were among those present. (KH/SI)