Two-rupee per stick tax on beedi

Sri Lanka will be taking steps to increase revenue from tobacco by imposing a tax on beedi.

Budget 2023 included a proposal to impose a tax of Rs.2 per beedi stick. In addition, the other fees payable in obtaining certificates and licences will be increased as well. 

President Ranil Wickremesinghe said the proposal is made with the aim of regularising the beedi industry. However, despite much lobbying, no tax increase was announced on cigarettes.