Strict ban on bringing cigarettes into Sri Lanka

Colombo, Jan. 30 (Daily Mirror) - Sri Lanka Customs has reiterated that it is strictly prohibited for any passenger arriving from abroad to bring cigarettes, warning that offenders will face severe penalties under the law.

In line with this, 232,804,000 foreign cigarettes seized over the last four months were burned and destroyed today at the Kerawalapitiya Waste-to-Energy Power Plant.

The seized stock, valued at Rs. 305 million, would have cost the government Rs. 271 million in lost tax revenue if allowed into the local market.

The operation was overseen by senior officials, including the heads of the Bandaranaike International Airport security divisions and Sri Lanka Customs Media Spokesperson and Director of Customs, Wandana Punchi Hewa.

Sri Lanka Customs emphasized that all passengers must comply with the ban to avoid strict legal action.