Therefore, the public needs not get alarmed by the ban on asbestos, he says.

The cabinet has approved a complete ban on asbestos by 2024.

He also says the IFS in Hantana, Kandy has manufactured environmentally-friendly fertilizer, while the IRI has developed a sugar level reducing tablet from cinnamon.

The minister adds that advice will be obtained from around 150 foreign scientists attending the science and technology conference for the country’s development.