Increase in Tax & Understanding Risk Reduced Smoker Percentage to 10.2

Non Communicable Disease Risk factor survey  report  was handed over to Health Minister Dr. Rajitha Senarathna by Director General of Health Dr. Palitha Mahipala.

The percentage of smokers has reduced to 10.2 which proves that people have an understanding of the risk factors related to smoking.

Both  Dr. Senarathna and President Maithripala Sirisena have signed and forwarded a cabinet proposal  to the cabinet of ministers  to increase the tax of tobacco to 90% . The Finance Minister must include his Ministry’s   observations and minister hoped that it will be presented in Cabinet today.

In addition to increasing the tax to 90% it has been decided to add the 15% VAT as well.