He said that the government’s efforts in discouraging smokers had a huge impact in reducing smoking in the country.

However, he said that the president’s concern for national health is justified, but heavy taxes were levied on tobacco.

Last year the government earned tax revenue of Rs. 85 billion from Ceylon Tobacco, and this is expected to increase to Rs. 100 billion this year.

According to a Health Ministry survey, in order to reduce smoking significantly, the tobacco tax should be increased to 90 percent.

The ministry further stated that currently the tobacco tax revenue is around Rs. 90 billion and under the new taxation system this is expected to increase to Rs. 118 billion.