News

Excise revenue has increased – Excise Chief

Published

1 year ago

March 25, 2024

nipuni

Mr. M.J. Gunasiri, who was reappointed as the Commissioner General of the Excise Department, says that the February revenue of the department has increased by 38.5% compared to that of last year.

He has also said that due to increase in alcohol prices, the alcohol production in 2024 January has dropped by 657,000 litres in comparison to that in 2023 January.

However, despite the production drop, the revenue has increased by 38%. We hope for a 30% revenue increase in the month of March as well, he has added.

The Excise Commissioner General has also said that special teams will be deployed to conduct raids on illegal liquor during the upcoming festive season.

However, liquor producers claim that the industry is suffering losses due to reduced alcohol production.

Speaking to ‘Sri Lanka Mirror’, a prominent liquor producer in the country said that discussions are currently underway to stop all production activity for a week, as a mark of protest against increased taxes.

However, moderates claim that the Excise Department is capable of securing large profits if they recover unpaid Excise Duty from liquor manufacturers without increasing taxes.

The Excise Commissioner General himself had previously declared that there are 09 liquor manufacturing companies that have not paid taxes and owe the state around Rs. 7.2 billion. However, no follow up statements in this regard were made.

News

8,742 Vesak Dansals registered islandwide

Published

60 minutes ago

May 12, 2025

editor

The Public Health Inspectors (PHI)’s Union states that a total of 8,742 Dansals have been registered islandwide, in line with Vesak celebrations this year.

According to the PHI’s Union chairman – Upul Rohana, the highest number of ‘Dansal’ is registered in the Western Province, particularly in the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) area.

The union has also urged organiser to reduce the use of polythene and plastic during food distribution efforts.

News

Financial assistance from President’s Fund for Gerandi Ella bus accident victims

Published

2 hours ago

May 12, 2025

editor

A sum of Rs. 1 million from the President’s Fund will be granted for each individual who lost their life in the Kotmale bus accident, the President’s Media Division states.

President Anura Kumara Disanayake has directed that a sum of Rs. 1 million be granted from the President’s Fund to each individual who lost their life in the tragic bus accident that occurred early this morning (11) in the Garadiella area, Kotmale.

Accordingly, arrangements have been made to promptly disburse these funds to the next of kin of the deceased through the President’s Fund.

In addition to this assistance, compensation will also be provided to the affected families through the Sri Lanka Transport Board and relevant insurance schemes.

Meanwhile, authorities continue to investigate the cause of the accident, which has claimed 22 lives so far.

(Pic : Accident1st)

News

Maxwell gets 5-yr. ban

Published

2 hours ago

May 12, 2025

editor

Former Secretary of the National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka (NOCSL) Maxwell de Silva was handed a five-year ban, sources revealed.

Earlier, De Silva was suspended by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the Ministry of Sports due to various irregularities committed by him over several years.

Accordingly, the NOCSL Executive Committee decided to hand down a five-year ban on De Silva, considering the recommendations made by the NOCSL Ethics Committee, NOCSL President Suresh Subramaniam told the Daily Mirror.

Subramaniam further stated that the penalty on De Silva has already been communicated in writing to the IOC.

Accordingly, the former secretary, who has been banned for five years, is now completely prohibited from representing the NOCSL at any foreign event or international conference.

(dailymirror.lk)

(Except for the headline, this story, originally published by dailymirror.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)