The Parliamentary Committee on Public Finance (COPF) questioned the use of e-cigarettes and vapes during a deliberation on proposals to increase the Excise Duty on cigarettes.
“There is a big market for vapes in Sri Lanka. Is this being regulated or taxed?” COPF member Kaushalya Ariyarathne questioned during the meeting stressing that there are some questions to be answered on e-cigarettes.
Despite the popular use of the product, e-cigarettes remain illegal in Sri Lanka, government officials said, adding that raids are being conducted to nab users of vapes.
COPF Chair Harsha de Silva however responding to various concerns, pointed out that despite the illegality and raids conducted to seize e-cigarettes, no arrests have been made over the use of the product.
The Committee also deliberated on the Order under Section 3 of the Excise (Special Provisions) Act, No. 13 of 1989, and the Excise Notification No. 01/2025 issued under Section 22 of the Excise Ordinance (Chapter 52).
Following deliberations, COPF denied approval for the proposal submitted by the Ministry of Finance to hike duties imposed on cigarettes. (Islandnews)
