Tax on soft liquor raises hard liquor use: PHU

13 February 2017 06:01 pm - 17 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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The Government’s move to impose heavy taxes on soft liquor with a lower alcohol content had increased the consumption of hard liquor among Sri Lankans during the past two years, the Pivithuru Hela Urumaya (PHU) said today.

PHU General Secretary MP Udaya Gammanpila said it was the normal practice worldwide to impose taxes on hard liquor instead of doing so on soft liquor.

“However, we are against the consumption of both categories. If the government is unable to ban alcohol, it should have at least promoted those with a lesser alcohol content. Those who consumed beer in the past are consuming hard liquor today because a person can purchase two 250ml bottles of arrack for the price of a can of beer,” he told a news conference.

The MP said 74 million litres of arrack were sold in 2014 and it had increased to 94 million litres in 2016.

“This is an increase of 28 per cent. Similarly, one of the leading distilleries had recorded an income of Rs.9.7 million which is an increase of 300 per cent of the company’s revenue in 2014,” he said.

The MP said the distillery which had recorded an enormous income was promoting the sale of 250 ml bottles of arrack targeting the youth.

He requested President Maithripala Sirisena to increase taxes on hard liquor including arrack and to implement the ‘Mathata Thitha’ (End to alcohol) programme effectively. (Lahiru Pothmulla)

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Comments - 17

Kiris Baba Amaray Monday, 13 February 2017 10:16 PM

Hay Gamampilla you and MR drinks a lot and sometimes, big noise you and MR shouts at Carlton, very bad sign putha. .... why are you degrading yourself man?

Shelly. Tuesday, 14 February 2017 02:07 PM

Kewa polos. via DM Android App

suresh Tuesday, 14 February 2017 08:58 AM

so this guy without any work to do has been doing research on alcohol sales.

Nihal Amarasekera Tuesday, 14 February 2017 08:53 AM

What more increase on hard liquor. Hardly admitted fact is common people drink hard liquor local for their fun or whatever. They have been overly taxed on many occasions recently, one occasion after another and there is just no more room to impose more taxes.

TONY Tuesday, 14 February 2017 08:38 AM

ARE YOU DRUNK ALREADY

Quackula Tuesday, 14 February 2017 06:05 AM

Don't forget the so called 'mathata thitha'.

German Jacob Monday, 13 February 2017 10:42 PM

First of all give up your over drinking habits and shouting at streets. Shame of you man Gamampilla.

Bubble Banda Monday, 13 February 2017 10:41 PM

OK before talking about Liquor you should repent and give up drinking too much when you get to gather with MR at Carlton.

Kadupol Jothywansa Monday, 13 February 2017 10:19 PM

You drunkard Gamampilla don't try to show off yourself as an Angel. I can prove how you behave when you are fully intoxicated.

Channa Monday, 13 February 2017 06:47 PM

Sir, if the government increases the price of hard liquor, the consumption of kassippu will increase.

Desmond Jeromme Monday, 13 February 2017 10:14 PM

Hay Gamampilla, you cannot deny - last Thursday, you were fully cocked with MR's whisky at Carlton and your driver took trouble to put you in your car with the greatest difficulty. Correct !!!

sara Monday, 13 February 2017 08:46 PM

You have done a good research and people appreciate.

Kadiya Monday, 13 February 2017 08:33 PM

Not bad logic coming from a teetotaler or is he?

ANTON Monday, 13 February 2017 08:20 PM

THERE ARE ONLY THREE THINGS IN RAVI'S HEAD, LIQUOR, CIGARETTES AND SWEEP TICKETS.

Shelly. Monday, 13 February 2017 07:35 PM

Look this pivituru baudhaya talking of liquor business. Madness all around. via DM Android App

Asela Monday, 13 February 2017 07:28 PM

Why didn't you do it during MR's time?

ceylon Monday, 13 February 2017 07:26 PM

government and opposition both no need alcoholthey are allready drunk with aragonce. via DM Android App

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Tax on soft liquor raises hard liquor use: PHU

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