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Income from taxes for liquor, cigarettes decreased: President

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11 April 2017 11:02 pm - 13     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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President Maithripala Sirisena said today the income from the taxes for liquor and cigarettes had been reduced for the first time of the history.

“The treasury reported the Cabinet that the income from the taxes for liquor and cigarettes has been reduced for the first time of the history. Though this is a decrease of the income for the government, we consider it as a great investment for the future generation”, he said.

President Sirisena said the ‘Drug free Country’ program, inaugurated by the government to build a healthy nation by saving the future generation from the drug menace, had resulted in the decrease.

The President expressed these views at the ceremony to open the new building complex of the Teldeniya District Base Hospital, Kandy today.

He pointed out that the main benchmark of the development of a country is education and health. “A country where educated and healthy people are living is rapidly moving towards development”, he said.

He said it is the government’s goal to lead all sections of the country towards an efficient development. “Today Sri Lanka is getting international support like never before. The government’s objective is to use that support for the development of the country”, the President added.


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  Comments - 13

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  • gatm Tuesday, 11 April 2017 10:39 PM

    how can the people buy cigarette and liquor when they have no money to buy everyday needs so dont think of building a healthy nation with no money for the people via DM Android App

    Thanos Wednesday, 12 April 2017 09:07 AM

    Sinhalese would rather pump themselves with buckets of alcohol rather than healthy food and then blame everything of the Muslims.

    RD Wednesday, 12 April 2017 09:10 AM

    It is good to have a drug-free country. But before the Government planned to implement these kind of policies, the Government should find ways recover other means to compensate the revenue loss due such policies as otherwise anyone has to face additional tax increases due to such loss of income. We get free education, medicine, etc. but we don't think how long we can get all these for free without affecting our growth. I believe that the government should act like a businessman.

    JAN Wednesday, 12 April 2017 09:35 AM

    MS Good performance But Corruptions happening Every Corner We voted 62%pl give us what you promised Already Three year Nearby via DM Android App

    Atha Katha Samson Wednesday, 12 April 2017 09:48 AM

    Mr. President I agree with you, but people who looted and robbed our country (MR's family plus his nasty gangsters who kept his name and robbed) are freely moving. If you could get their looted black money it will more than enough to develop our country, having them ended up in Jail.

    Kiris Baba Amaray Wednesday, 12 April 2017 09:50 AM

    OK Sir, we honour you and take up your word, but what happened to the promises you made? Horru Thama Eliyay !!!

    Lord Wolfstein Wednesday, 12 April 2017 10:40 AM

    The fact that the tax income of alcohol and cigarettes have decreased does not mean that the people are less drinking and smoking. It means that people changed to illegal alcohol and cigarettes which is more dangerous for the health. It is impossible to get the country alcohol and tobacco free. This is the wish of some day dreamers. The people have the right to drink and to smoke. The only solution to avoid illegal and harmful drugs is to reduce the tax of alcohol and tobacco significant.

    Ganja Wednesday, 12 April 2017 10:47 AM

    Is it illicit alcohol

    Ranjitdea Wednesday, 12 April 2017 01:05 PM

    We agree Mr President Health and Education is the wealth of the country. But see how the educated (and the not so educated) people are behaving.

    Mason Wednesday, 12 April 2017 01:50 PM

    This is lopsided taxation. With the increase in prices, those used to liquor and cigarettes will go for cheaper varieties, such as Kassippu and Beedi, which in turn will cause health problems. The medical budget increases, less revenue in the treasury and to bridge the gap, what would you do. Will you reduce the expenditure on the upkeep of MPs and Ministers, no you'll not. We the taxpayers will be BLED some more, so there is nothing to boast about !

    MP Wednesday, 12 April 2017 03:04 PM

    Sensible suggestion.

    MP Wednesday, 12 April 2017 03:06 PM

    No this is not a wise suggestion, according to the World Bank and the World Health Organization. The best strategy to reduce tobacco/alcohol consumption is tax increase.

    SD Wednesday, 12 April 2017 03:08 PM

    The right and ignorance are two different aspects. Can you tell who is going to bear the cost of medical treatment on those who fall due to tobacco and alcohol consumption?


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