Excise Dept demands Rs. 1.8 bn in unpaid taxes from liquor firms, warns of legal action
By: Isuru Parakrama
November 11, Colombo (LNW): The Excise Department has revealed that Sri Lanka’s liquor manufacturers owe a substantial Rs. 1.8 billion in unpaid taxes, covering liabilities from last year up to the present.
In a recent notice, the department instructed these companies to clear their outstanding dues by November 30, 2024, underscoring the urgency of resolving these arrears.
According to the Excise Department, the total tax debt owed by the liquor industry amounts to a staggering Rs. 8.5 billion, encompassing cumulative tax obligations not yet settled by numerous manufacturers.
Failure to meet this deadline, the department warned, would prompt strict legal action against any non-compliant companies.
The Excise Department has intensified its focus on ensuring that liquor firms fulfil their tax responsibilities, a move aimed at bolstering national revenue amidst economic challenges.
This directive aims to enforce fiscal accountability within the industry, with officials emphasising the importance of timely contributions to state coffers.
