Sri Lanka raises excise duty on liquor and cigarettes effective January 11, 2025
Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Finance has announced an increase in the excise duty on liquor and cigarettes, effective midnight on January 10, 2025.
This adjustment was made under a Gazette notification issued by Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who also serves as the Minister of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development.
The revision is authorized under Section 22 of the Excise Ordinance (Chapter 52).
Starting January 11, 2025, the excise duty on liquor will rise by 6%. As a result, the price of a 750 ml bottle of special liquor will increase by at least Rs. 106, with prices of other types of liquor rising by 5%.
The revised rates have been communicated to the Excise Commissioner by the Department of Public Finance.
In addition, the Ceylon Tobacco Company (CTC) has announced a hike in cigarette prices across four categories.
From January 11, 2025, the price of Capstan and John Player cigarettes will increase by Rs. 5 per stick, while the 83mm Gold Leaf will see a Rs. 10 increase per stick.
Latest Headlines in Sri Lanka
- Sri Lanka, Japan hold high-level defence talks in Japan March 19, 2026
- Ex-SriLankan CEO claims Rs. 60 Million paid to Mahinda Rajapaksa in Airbus deal March 19, 2026
- Opposition files no-confidence motion against Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody March 19, 2026
- Sri Lanka, Qatar hold urgent talks as Middle East tensions rise, call for stability March 19, 2026
- Police Sub-Inspector arrested over Rs. 10,000 bribe in Ragama March 19, 2026
