February 08, Colombo (LNW): All trade unions attached to the Excise Department have thrown their support behind a proposed programme to digitalise and modernise excise operations, aimed at strengthening revenue collection.
The agreement was reached during a meeting held on February 03 at the Presidential Secretariat, where officials from the Excise Department met with trade union representatives, the Revenue Administration Reform and Modernisation Bureau and the Secretary to the President, Dr Nandika Sanath Kumanayake.
Discussions centred on ways to improve efficiency within the department in order to enhance state revenue, with particular emphasis on the introduction of digital systems and updated operational frameworks. Participants examined a range of reform proposals, including the use of technology to streamline procedures and reduce delays.
The meeting also addressed the need to invest in human resource development, while ensuring the welfare and professional growth of excise officers as part of the modernisation effort.
Director General of Excise M. B. N. A. Premarathne, senior departmental officials and representatives from all recognised trade unions were present at the discussion, which concluded with broad consensus on moving forward with the reform agenda.
