Sri Lanka, Oct. 30 -- A stock of 2.8 million foreign-manufactured cigarettes, valued at Rs. 6.8 million, which was illegally smuggled into the country via Katunayake International Airport, was destroyed yesterday (29) at the Western Power Station in Kerawalapitiya, Wattala.

According to Sri Lanka Customs spokesperson and Customs Director Chandana Punchihewa, these foreign cigarettes were illegally brought into the country under false declarations from various countries between April 1 and July 31, 2026. Director Punchihewa noted that if this stock had been sold in the local market, the Government would have lost approximately Rs. 439 million in tax revenue.

The contraband was originally seized by Customs officers at Katunayake Airport a...