No ban on single stick cigarettes sale

It would cause reduction in tax revenue and people will take to the smoking of beedi instead

The move presented to the Cabinet by Minister Rajitha Senaratne banning cigarettes sales in single sticks has not received Cabinet approval.

Minister Mangala Samaraweera expressing his views in contrast to the proposed ban said it would cause reduction in tax revenue and people will take to the smoking of beedi instead.

Those who have developed a tendency to the flavour of nicotine contained in cigarettes would not turn to smoking beedi, Minister Rajitha Senarathna said opposing views of Minister Samaraweera and said tax revenue collected on sale of cigarettes has already increased to Rs. 29.000 million in 2018 from Rs.23,000 million earned in 2017.

However Ministers Raveendra Samaraweera, Kabir Hashim and Harin Fernando had also spoke of probable difficulties that would have to be confronted on the implementation of ban on sale of cigarettes in single.

Minister Samaraweera has asked for two weeks to study the relevant controversial matter.