Regulation more sustainable than prohibition

Sri Lanka’s increasingly strict stance on passenger cigarette imports risks becoming counter-productive. Compared with regional norms, the policy is exceptionally rigid. Srilanka has banned totally any cigarette imports by tourists whereas India,  Maldives and Thailand allow up to 200 sticks duty free and Singapore allow imports but taxed.

Restrictions may fuel smuggling, erode tax revenue, and discourage travellers at a time we depend on tourism to augment our foreign exchange reserves. The absence of leading international brands further weakens the visitor experience,  at a time meeting tourism recovery targets are important.

Tobacco control is necessary, but regulation — not prohibition — has proven more sustainable.

Upali Weerasinghe