Sri Lankan authorities destroy over two million illegally imported cigarettes at Colombo airport to protect government revenue and enforce new tourist restrictions

Starting February 2026, travelers arriving in Sri Lanka from overseas can no longer carry cigarettes with them.

This new rule, announced by the Ministry of Finance, aims to clamp down on illegal tobacco imports and protect government revenue.

Over Two Million Cigarettes Destroyed at Colombo Airport

Just a few days ago, on January 30, Sri Lankan customs took decisive action.

More than two million cigarettes that had been smuggled into the country by foreign visitors over the past four months were destroyed under official supervision.

The confiscated products had been collected primarily at Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo.

Authorities estimate that the destroyed cigarettes were worth around 305 million Sri Lankan rupees on the market.

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Had they been sold legally, the government could have lost up to 271 million rupees in tax revenue.

Russian Tourists Haven’t Been Informed Yet

Interestingly, not all travelers are aware of the new regulation.

Russian tour operators, for instance, have not formally updated visitors.

Sources indicate that Russian tourists arriving in January were able to bring cigarettes through customs without any issues, suggesting a gap between the announcement of the policy and its enforcement.

A Regional Push Toward Stricter Tobacco Rules

Sri Lanka isn’t acting in isolation. Across South Asia, governments are tightening the rules around tobacco.

The Maldives made headlines in November 2025 by banning tobacco use for anyone born after January 1, 2007, effectively creating a generational smoking ban.

This landmark move made the Maldives the first country in the world to prohibit tobacco consumption for an entire age group.

What This Could Mean for Travelers

With Sri Lanka now restricting cigarette imports, tourists will need to be mindful when packing.

Authorities have not clarified the penalties for violations beyond confiscation, but the destruction of millions of cigarettes signals a zero-tolerance approach.

As neighboring countries continue to strengthen tobacco regulations, travelers may need to adjust their expectations and check rules carefully before visiting.