Dr Samadhi Rajapaksa, Chairman of the National Authority on Tobacco and Alcohol says that the price of cigarettes could increase in the next budget due to the price formula presented to determine the price of a cigarette.

 According to the price formula, the price of a cigarette increases every year said Dr Samadhi Rajapaksa at a media briefing held today.

“We came up with a scientific and transparent pricing formula for determining the price of a cigarette. It is hoped that the price of cigarettes will increase in the forthcoming budget. I think the introduction of a pricing formula for this cigarette is a historic step. From the day this price formula was introduced, as long as there are cigarettes in this country, the price of cigarettes goes up every year. We are raising the price of cigarettes to the point where consumers cannot afford them. “

The National Authority on Tobacco and Alcohol is committed to eradicating those addicted to tobacco and alcohol, said its Chairman Dr Samadhi Rajapaksa.