In the annual budget for the year 2017, a proposal was made to increase the lottery ticket price from Rs 20 to Rs 30 with the view to increase state revenue. However, this proposal could not be implemented due to stiff resistance shown by lottery ticket selling agents and ticket sellers. There were island wide demonstration held against the price increase.
Followed by island wide protest the President has summoned the Minister of Finance Ravi Karunanayake and discussed about revising the price of lottery ticket. Later on the President has directed to reverse the increase price back to Rs20.
Minister of Finance, Ravi Karunanayake while addressing in parliament yesterday(25) said, that to introduce a Rs 40 lottery ticket in addition to the existing Rs20 lottery tickets is being considered.