Parliamentarian Dayasiri Jayasekera has called on the Government to allocate a portion of the tax revenue collected from cigarettes to strengthen the health sector, particularly cancer treatment.
Speaking in Parliament, Jayasekera highlighted the heavy tax burden on smokers, noting that the Government collects Rs. 109 in taxes from a cigarette retailing at Rs. 160.
The MP also raised concerns over the health impact of smoking, citing figures indicating that between 13,000 and 20,000 deaths are linked to smoking annually in Sri Lanka. He also pointed to the high number of cancer cases and difficulties faced by patients in accessing essential medicines due to high costs and shortages.
Against this backdrop, Jayasekera proposed that a specific percentage of cigarette tax revenue be directed to the Ministry of Health to support cancer treatment and ensure patients have access to necessary medicines.
He also raised concerns over the continued availability of illicit cigarettes, alleging that illegal tobacco products are being sold through small retail outlets across the country.
In response, government representatives said the Excise Department has stepped up enforcement against illicit cigarettes through large-scale raids and the destruction of illegal stocks.
Officials also urged the public to provide information on outlets involved in the illegal sale of cigarettes, saying authorities have established a systematic mechanism to combat the illicit tobacco trade.
