The Excise Department has warned that strict legal action will be taken against any licensed liquor outlets that fail to comply with closure orders during the Poson Festival.

Issuing a statement, the Excise Department said that all taverns islandwide must remain closed on June 29, 2026, Poson Full Moon Poya Day. 

The closure, from last evening (28), continues until the scheduled reopening time on June 30.

In addition, as part of the State Poson Festival, all licensed liquor outlets in Mihintale, Medawachchiya, Nuwaragam Palatha Central, Nuwaragam Palatha East, and Mahavilachchiya must remain closed throughout Poson Week, from June 25 to July 3.

The public has been urged to report violations via the 24‑hour hotline 1913, with the Excise Department emphasizing that officers islandwide have been instructed to enforce the directive firmly. (Newswire)

The post Strict legal action against liquor outlets violating Poson ban appeared first on Newswire.

A high‑level discussion on the functioning of the Internal Affairs Units established within state institutions and the implementation of the National Anti-Corruption Action Plan 2025–2029 was held at the Presidential Secretariat recently (29).

The meeting, held under the patronage of the Secretary to the President, Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, focused on advancing Sri Lanka’s anti-corruption efforts, particularly within key revenue-generating and revenue-collecting institutions, namely the Sri Lanka Customs, the Inland Revenue Department, and the Department of Excise.

According to the President’s Office, during the discussion, the measures currently being implemented to strengthen anti-corruption initiatives and foster a culture of integrity within these institutions were reviewed. 

Attention was also given to future initiatives aimed at further reinforcing ethical governance and promoting a stronger culture of integrity across these organisations. (Newswire)

The post Sri Lanka Customs, Inland Revenue and Excise under spotlight in anti‑corruption review appeared first on Newswire.

The Department of Excise has announced that all liquor shops will be closed for three days in May in view of the Vesak festival and International Workers’ Day.

According to the department, liquor stores will be closed on May 01, which marks International Workers’ Day (May Day).

All liquor stores will also be closed on May 30 (Vesak Poya) and May 31 (the day following Vesak Poya).

The government announced that, at the request of the Chief Prelates, it has been decided to observe Vesak Full Moon Poya Day on May 30, while May 31, the day following Vesak Poya Day, will be a public holiday.

The government further declared the State Vesak Week from May 27 to June 2. (Newswire)

The post Liquor shops closed for 3 days in May appeared first on Newswire.

A stock of illegally imported cigarettes worth Rs. 330 million has been seized along with five suspects following a raid in Wellampitiya. 

Among the suspects are three employees of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority.

Officials from the Special Investigation Unit of the Excise Department carried out the raid in the Wellampitiya area.

The Excise Department stated that a total of 2,030,000 cigarettes were thus taken into official custody. (Newswire)

The post Rs. 330M illegal cigarette haul seized in Wellampitiya raid appeared first on Newswire.

A winestore in Ja- Ela has been sealed by the Excise Department for selling alcohol on Wednesday (05), which was a Poya public holiday.

According to the Department, the winestore was detected during a raid conducted by the Ja-Ela Excise Department officials. 

The Excise Department is conducting further investigations into the incident, after which it will initiate legal action. (Newswire)

The post Selling Alcohol on Poya day : Wine store sealed appeared first on Newswire.

Wine stores across Sri Lanka will remain closed on 12, 13, and 14 April, the Excise Department announced. 

According to the Excise Department, the decision has been taken in view of the upcoming Poya Day (12 Apr) and the Sinhala and Tamil New Year Festival (13 & 14 Apr). 

The Excise Department warned that legal action will be taken against wine stores operating during this period. (Newswire)

The post Wine stores closed for 03 days appeared first on Newswire.

A meeting has been held between President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and officials of the Excise Department on the efficient and effective regulation of alcohol and other approved intoxicants within the country to support economic growth. 

The discussion focused on increasing state revenue through proper regulation of the alcohol and tobacco industries, facilitating legal revenue generation, enforcing compliance with laws and regulations, implementing strong awareness programs against illegal alcohol, hazardous drugs, and psychoactive substances, preventing health risks associated with unregulated alcohol consumption, and ensuring public safety.

The meeting held at the Presidential Secretariat today further focused on addressing the current challenges faced by the Excise Department and achieving this year’s revenue targets.

A key point of the discussion was the integration of the department’s operations with the Inland Revenue Department to enhance efficiency and fairness in tax collection.

Discussions were held on revenue collection and protection through an effective decision-making and management mechanism in strategic and operational activities.

The necessity of formulating a human resource and technological development plan to enhance the efficiency of the Excise Department was also discussed.

The meeting was attended by Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Secretary to the Ministry of Finance Mahinda Siriwardana, Commissioner General of Excise Udaya Kumara Perera, and a group of Excise Department officials. (Newswire)

The post Effective regulation of alcohol : Discussion held appeared first on Newswire.

Sri Lanka’s Excise Department is considering introducing a low-cost alcohol product as an alternative to illicit liquor.

The Commissioner General of the Excise Department told the media that illicit liquor was a serious issue in Sri Lanka, which caused the department to lose nearly 30% of its revenue. 

He further said that raids on illicit liquor dens were not the only solution for the issue and that an alternative solution was necessary. 

The Commissioner General of the Excise Department as such, following discussions with the Finance Ministry, a suggestion has been made to introduce a low-cost alcohol product as an alternative to illicit liquor.

Stating that the product will be subject to examinations by the Government Analysts Department for quality tests, he said with their approval it will be introduced to the local market.

The Commissioner General of the Excise Department said these measures are not being taken to increase revenue or promote alcohol, but instead, to assist in minimizing addiction to illicit liquor. (Newswire)

The post Excise Dept to introduce low-cost alcohol bottle appeared first on Newswire.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has directed officials to follow a proper mechanism when issuing excise licenses. 

These instructions were given during a meeting with senior Excise Department officials at the Presidential Secretariat today (05 Dec). 

During the meeting, the President stressed the importance of not abusing power to act unlawfully, emphasizing the need to consistently uphold the law, and also urging officials to ensure timely tax collection. 

The discussion highlighted challenges in collecting excise taxes and the irregularities that arise in the process. New strategies were explored, including collecting overdue taxes, revoking licenses of blacklisted institutions, and addressing entities that fail to collect taxes properly. 

The discussion also covered the shortcomings of the existing rules and regulations regarding tax collection. The President was made aware of the issues arising in the tax collection process, as well as the weaknesses in the recruitment system for excise officers. 

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake noted the public’s negative perception of the Excise Department and stressed the importance of managing these institutions in a way that supports the country’s economy. 

Officials also briefed the President on challenges in the production and packaging processes, highlighting the negative impact of artificial toddy on the public.

Commissioner of Excise Rohana Senarathna, Deputy Commissioner R.V.S. Tissa Kumara, Assistant Commissioner M. J. De Silva, Chief Financial Officer G. A. Chandani, Chief Accountant W. R. Paranagama, and other senior officials of the Excise Department participated in the discussion. (Newswire)

The post Streamline licensing & tax collection, President tells Excise Dept appeared first on Newswire.

Liquor manufacturers owe Rs. 1.8 billion in tax arrears for the period covering last year to date, the Excise Department reported

A notice was issued recently by the Excise Department informing liquor manufacturers to settle the tax arrears by 30 November 2024.

The total amount of unpaid taxes by liquor companies amounts to Rs. 8.5 billion, the Excise Department said.

The department further warned that legal action will be initiated against any company that fails to settle its tax arrears. (Newswire)

The post Liquor companies owe Rs. 1.8 bn in tax arrears appeared first on Newswire.

The Department of Excise has announced the closure of liquor stores in view of the Vesak Festival celebrated this week. 

Accordingly, liquor stores Islandwide will be closed on 23 and 24 May 2024, and reopen on May 25, 2024.

However, liquor stores in the Matale District will be closed for a period of four days, from May 21 to May 25. 

The Excise Department said that this was in view of the National Vesak Festival which will be held in the Matale District this year. (Newswire)

The post Liquor stores to be closed in view of Vesak Festival appeared first on Newswire.

A rapid spread of electronic cigarettes (E-Cigarettes) has been observed in Sri Lanka, especially in rural areas, according to the Excise Department. 

Commissioner General of the department, M.J. Gunasiri made the remarks after inspecting a stock of E-Cigarettes, worth around Rs. 500,000, which had been seized during raids conducted in the Gampaha and Ja-Ela areas.

Gunasiri said that investigations have revealed a high use of E-Cigarettes among school students and individuals below the age of 40 years, mostly in Colombo, Gampaha, and Panadura areas, and areas with a large population. 

Stating that these E-Cigarettes are gradually being introduced to remote areas, he said complaints were recently received about a student from a prominent school in Ratnapura who had charged Rs. 20 for one puff of an E-Cigarette. 

Gunasiri further said that E-Cigarettes are being sold and distributed via online platforms and they are mostly designed as smart watches, pen drives, power banks, and fragrant bottles. 

He pointed out that the authorities are facing difficulties in identifying E-Cigarettes as they do not consist of the components of a normal cigarette but instead smell like various fruits, such as mango, orange, and cherry.

Each E-Cigarette consists of 50,000 to 60,000 puffs and can be utilised at any moment until it runs dry, while it is powered by being recharged electronically, he said. 

As these E-Cigarettes produce smoke artificially, are highly toxic, highly addictive, and are highly carcinogenic they have been banned in several countries by the World Health Organization and the USA. 

Investigations have revealed that electronic cigarettes are entering Sri Lanka via the Katunayake Airport, Colombo Port and other sea routes. 

The Commissioner General of the Excise Department added that they are facing difficulties in containing the spread of E-Cigarettes as officials from the Education, Police, and Excise Department are unable to instantly identify the product. (NewsWire)

The post E-Cigarettes in watches, perfumes : Action taken appeared first on Newswire.

The Financial Intelligence Unit of Sri Lanka has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Excise Department of Sri Lanka to exchange information related to investigations and prosecutions of money laundering, terrorist financing and other related crimes.

According to the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, the MOU was signed in January 2024, in terms of the provisions of the Financial Transactions Reporting Act, No. 6 of 2006 (FTRA).

Mr. J M S N Jayasinghe, Commissioner General of Excise and Mrs. E H Mohotty, then Director, FIU signed the MOU on behalf of the respective institutions in the presence of Dr. P Nandalal Weerasinghe, the Governor of the CBSL, who is also the Chairman of the Anti-Money Laundering/Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) National Coordinating Committee.

Money laundering and terrorist financing are financial crimes with a global presence, which could threaten the stability of national and global economic and financial systems. The MOU between the Excise Department of Sri Lanka and the FIU would enable both institutions to exchange information which is vital for prevention, detection and prosecution of such offences.

Since 2008, the FIU has entered into 44 MOUs with foreign counterparts as well as 11 MOUs with domestic government agencies including Sri Lanka Customs, Department of Immigration and Emigration, Inland Revenue Department, Department for Registration of Persons, Sri Lanka Police, etc., to share information to strengthen the AML/CFT framework of the country. (NewsWire)

The post Financial Intelligence Unit & Excise Department sign MOU on information sharing appeared first on Newswire.

Alcohol production at two of the main distilleries of Sri Lanka, which was temporarily suspended by the Excise Department earlier today, has resumed.

The Excise Department announced that alcohol production at W.M. Mendis & Co. and Randenigala Distilleries resumed after the two companies settled tax arrears amounting to Rs. 116 million.

Earlier today, the department said had temporarily suspended alcohol production at the two main distilleries due to the failure to pay taxes.

In November, W M Mendis & Co Ltd and Randenigala Distilleries Lanka (Pvt) Ltd were among the five companies whose licences were suspended by the Excise Department. 

At the time, the Department said that the licences of the five liquor manufacturing companies were suspended after their annual licences had not been renewed due to the failure to pay tax arrears. 

Following the suspension, State Minister of Finance Ranjith Siyambalapitiya informed the Parliament that the five liquor production companies owed tax arrears amounting to Rs. 2,715 million to the government.

The State Minister further said that the total tax default with the three per cent penalty for default stands at Rs. 6,721 million. (NewsWire)

The post Rs. 116 Mn Tax arrears paid : Suspension lifted on two main distilleries appeared first on Newswire.

Alcohol production at two of the main distilleries of Sri Lanka has been temporarily suspended by the Excise Department.  

According to Excise Department sources, the two main distilleries are W.M. Mendis & Co. and Randenigala Distilleries.

They further said that the measure has been taken due to the failure to pay taxes.

The move comes after the Excise Department, in November, suspended the licences of Synergy Distilleries (Pvt) Ltd, Finnland Distilleries Corporation (Pvt) Ltd, Wayamba Distilleries, W M Mendis & Co Ltd and the Randenigala Distilleries Lanka (Pvt) Ltd were suspended. 

At the time, the Department said that the licences of the five liquor manufacturing companies were suspended after their annual licences had not been renewed due to the failure to pay tax arrears. 

Following the suspension, State Minister of Finance Ranjith Siyambalapitiya informed the Parliament that the five liquor production companies owed tax arrears amounting to Rs. 2,715 million to the government.

The State Minister further said that the total tax default with the three per cent penalty for default stands at Rs. 6,721 million. (NewsWire)

The post Alcohol production at two main distilleries temporarily suspended appeared first on Newswire.

Sri Lanka’s Department of Excise says the licenses of five liquor manufacturing companies were suspended after their annual licences had not been renewed due to the failure to pay tax arrears.

The department said the licences of Synergy Distilleries (Pvt) Ltd, Finnland Distilleries Corporation (Pvt) Ltd, Wayamba Distilleries, W M Mendis & Co Ltd and the Randenigala Distilleries Lanka (Pvt) Ltd were suspended. 

The annual licenses for these companies, which had long-standing arrears, expired on October 31 and were not renewed, the department said.

Stating that the suspension of licences was due to their failure to pay tax arrears, the Excise Department said the production and distribution of their alcohol products have also been prohibited. (NewsWire)

The post Suspension of five liquor licences : Excise Department gives details appeared first on Newswire.

An urgent report has been sought from the Department of Excise regarding the shooting incident involving a group of Excise officers in the Bambalapitiya area yesterday.

Taking to Twitter, State Minister of Finance Ranjith Siyambalapitiya that the Commissioner General of Excise has been instructed to provide a report on the incident.

Four officials of the Department of Excise, including an Inspector were arrested by the Police after they had opened fire at a car near Castle Lane on Marine Drive in Bambalapitiya yesterday.

At the time, Spokesperson for the Excise Department, Kapila Kumarasinghe stated that the excise officials had opened fire as part of an operation to apprehend suspects involved in drug trafficking.

“The Excise officials arrested a suspect during a raid in Bambalapitiya while in possession of 150g of heroin. During the incident, another suspect attempted to flee the scene in a car prompting the officials to open fire at the vehicle,” he added. 

Meanwhile, the Police stated that the excise officials in civil attire had engaged in a sting operation during which they had sought to apprehend drug traffickers by purchasing drugs from them.

The Police added that however, the Excise officers were found to be without money at the time of their arrest.

The Police had also found the vehicle that had been fired at abandoned near Rohini Road in Wellawatte last night. (NewsWire)

The post Bambalapitiya shooting: New update (CCTV) appeared first on Newswire.

All licenced wine stores and liquor sales outlets across Sri Lanka will be closed for three days next week in view of the Vesak festival.

The Department of Excise stated that all licenced liquor outlets or retail outlets will be closed from the 4th -the 6th of May. 

The Department further warned that stringent action will be taken against those failing to close down during the said period. (NewsWire)

The post Liquor shops closed for three days next week appeared first on Newswire.

All licenced wine stores will be closed during the Sinhala and Tamil New Year celebrated on the 13th and 14th of April 2023, the Excise Department announced today. 

The Commissioner General of Excise stated that 1200 officials have been tasked with conducting raids to inspect and apprehend owners of licenced wine stores for illegally selling alcohol during this period.

The officers have also been tasked with conducting raids to apprehend those selling narcotics during this period.

The Commissioner General of Excise further stated that the public with information on the illegal sale of alcohol and narcotics can contact the Excise Department via its hotline 1913. (NewsWire)

The post Wine stores to be closed during April New Year appeared first on Newswire.