December 06, Colombo (LNW): President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has instructed officials to implement a structured and transparent mechanism for issuing excise licences. These directives were delivered during a meeting held yesterday (5) with senior officials of the Excise Department at the Presidential Secretariat.
The President underscored the importance of adhering to the law, avoiding abuse of power, and ensuring timely tax collection. Addressing challenges in excise tax collection and associated irregularities, he emphasized revamping the system to improve efficiency and transparency. Suggestions included collecting overdue taxes, revoking licences of blacklisted institutions, and tackling entities that fail to collect taxes appropriately.
Discussions also highlighted shortcomings in current tax collection regulations and weaknesses in the recruitment system for excise officers. President Dissanayake expressed concerns over the public’s negative perception of the Excise Department and stressed the need to manage its operations to support the national economy effectively.
Additionally, officials briefed the President on production and packaging challenges, drawing attention to the harmful effects of artificial toddy on public health.
Excise Commissioner 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 were present at the meeting.
