Govt. hikes Excise Duty on liquor

Excise duty rates on wine, arrack, foreign liquor and malt liquor (beer) have been increased with effect from midnight yesterday, the Ministry of Finance and Planning said yesterday.

Following the increase, beer manufacturers have increased the price of beer and arrack from last Sunday. Accordingly, the price of one litre of alcohol has been increased by Rs. 63 and a litre of beer by Rs. 10. Meanwhile, Distilleries Company of Sri Lanka (DCSL) said it had increased the prices of all varieties of arracks by Rs. 20-40 a bottle. Meanwhile the price of cigarettes had been increased by Rs. 2 with immediate effect and accordingly each brand will be increased by two rupees from Saturday.