Sri Lanka’s excise chief denies illegal liquor license claims
Posted by Editor on September 29, 2024 - 10:02 am
The Commissioner General of the Excise Department of Sri Lanka, M.J. Gunasiri, stated that claims made by certain parties regarding the illegal issuance of a large number of liquor licenses during the Presidential Election period are false.
He mentioned that only around 172 liquor licenses have been issued since May 2023, based on a policy decision taken by the government.
The Commissioner General further noted that this has generated approximately Rs. 2,200 million in revenue.
He also mentioned that all companies have agreed to settle their outstanding taxes for the years 2023 and 2024 by November 30, 2024.
Latest Headlines in Sri Lanka
- Sri Lanka President orders accurate data and fast disaster recovery in Matale December 7, 2025
- India sends Bailey Bridge parts to Sri Lanka to rebuild damaged bridges December 7, 2025
- Lanka Ashok Leyland donates vehicles worth Rs. 65 Million to support Sri Lanka’s disaster response December 6, 2025
- Sri Lanka President orders unified drive to speed up disaster recovery December 6, 2025
- Sri Lanka extends income tax return deadline due to Cyclone Ditwah December 6, 2025
Well, I have two questions:
Q 1. From 172 liquor licenses issued since May 2023, how many issued for politicians and their friends?
Q 2. You stated that companies (how many?) have agreed to settle their outstanding taxes for the years 2023 and 2024 by November 30, 2024. What assurance they gave?