The Sri Lankan government has announced a complete media ban on the advertising of tobacco and alcohol.

The ban, due to come into force at the beginning of next year, applies directly to the state media.

But private broadcasters are also being told to follow the policy.

It's not clear if sporting events and billboards are included.

A presidential task force has also recommended that television programmes should avoid scenes of smoking and drinking.

The health minister Nimal Siripala de Silva told the BBC that the alarming rise in tobacco and alcohol consumption in Sri Lanka was one of its biggest health hazards.