Call to slash prices of local alcohol

2026-02-06 - 11:18

MP Rohitha Abeygunawardena has requested the government to consider reducing the price of locally manufactured alcohol. Speaking in Parliament, Abeygunawardena questioned Deputy Minister of Economic Development – Nishantha Jayaweera about the volume of alcohol sold and the excise revenue generated. He highlighted that, “Commonly referred to as ‘Gal’ in layman’s termshis bottle is taxed Rs. 1832. This is the most commonly consumed bottle of arrack in Sri Lanka, whether it’s at a wedding or a funeral. Accordingly, the MP urged the government to review the pricing and tax policy on local alcohol products. In response, Deputy Minister Jayaweera said the government would consider the request, noting that Rs. 213.39 billion in excise revenue had been collected last year.