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Last Updated : 2024-05-13 06:18:00
1 April 2024 04:20 pm - 15 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
By Yohan Perera and Ajith Siriwardana
Ten distillery companies have defaulted taxes to the tune of Rs 6.9 billion in 2023 as per the report of the Ways and Means Committee which was tabled in Parliament today.
The companies that have defaulted include W.M. Mendis & Company, Wayamba Distilleries, Wayamba Spirit, Globe Blenders, McCallum Brewery, Kalutara Cooperative Distilleries, Synergy Distilleries, Randenigala Distilleries, Hingurana Distilleries and Royal Ceylon Distilleries.
According to the directive of the Committee on Ways and Means, manufacturing and distribution of liquor by four companies who had defaulted tax, namely W.M. Mendis & Company, Finland Distilleries, Synergy Distilleries and Randeigala Distilleries, have been banned as their excise licenses expired on September 30 last year and the Excise Department has not renewed them. However W.M. Mendis & Company, Finland Distilleries, Synergy Distilleries and Randenigala Distilleries who have agreed to pay default taxes have actually paid the first installments on November 4 2023. The four companies remitted a total of Rs 906,176,439.51 while there is an outstanding amount of Rs 332,715, 868.31
The report revealed that Wayamba Distilleries has filed a case before the Court of Appeal against the decision of the Excise Department to cancel its licenses.
The Committee has raised concerns on liquor companies such as Globe Blenders, Wayamba Spirit Stores and Kalutara Cooperatives Distilleries who have evaded paying taxes by terminating their businesses.
“Neither the Ministry of Finance nor the Excise Department has taken action to seize the bottles of liquor with fake security tax stamps until the committee directed the Commissioner General of Exercise to begin raids to seize liquor bottles with the fake sticker.
Gamini Monday, 01 April 2024 04:51 PM
but tax the meager monthly wage earner
Jayantha Monday, 01 April 2024 05:11 PM
Open the market for anyone who wish to make liquor similar to starting a pvt ltd company but probably with an additional fee.This way politicians will not play a major role in liquor business. Allthose distilleries are owned by politicians or indirectly by politicians. Same for bars too. Either politicians owns it or those who fund politicians campaigns owns them. It was same with fuel stations until ioc came to the market. Now anyone can start a fuel station without politicians.
P Kunchithapathan Monday, 01 April 2024 05:23 PM
Defaulting of 6.9 billion by the distillery companies is a serious lapse and a national tragedy. Government is trying to tax hapless masses whilst letting of the money spinning distillery companies for certainly for something. President should first put the house order before going after the poor people.
Asoka Goonawardena Monday, 01 April 2024 05:56 PM
How many are Jhonny Boys?
Don Monday, 01 April 2024 06:04 PM
First of all, prosecute Commissioner of Exercise on failure to deliver duties and colluded with companies corrupt manner. Then send company heads to jail by knowingly closing businesses to evade tax payments.
THE COUNTRY DOES NOT NEED THIS MANY PRODUCES, MASSES HAVE NO COMEY TO PUT FOOD ON THEIR TABLES. Monday, 01 April 2024 06:14 PM
SEAL THE COMPANIES TO STOP PRODUCTION OR TAKE OVER COMPANIES AND FREEZE THEIR ASSETS TILL GOVT SELLS THEM TO RECOVER THE OUTSTANDING TAXES, ONCE TAXES ARE PAID, RELEASE THEIR ASSETS.
Sokrates Monday, 01 April 2024 06:24 PM
Behind every drop of alcohol in Sri Lanka there is a politician, whether in the production or sale, whether the alcohol is legal or illegal.
Buddhist Monday, 01 April 2024 07:28 PM
Any politician who defaults on taxes from his or her distillery company should resign from Parliament.
Buddhist Monday, 01 April 2024 07:45 PM
Has the tax department found out from Patali how he found the money to hold a grand wedding for his daughter from his MP's salary?
Moor Monday, 01 April 2024 08:19 PM
Banana Republic Sri Lanka
Ram Tuesday, 02 April 2024 03:15 AM
These Companies have already charged these taxes from us, the customers. If they fail to pay seize their assets and recover. Don't give them any time to pay
Tissa Fernando Tuesday, 02 April 2024 04:56 AM
These guys have basically collected their taxes from the consumers but have pocketed the money for themselves. Confisticate and sell off these companies to recover the debts.
Lawry Tuesday, 02 April 2024 05:48 AM
The high prices of liquor pushe consumers to use illicit liquor and nacotic drugs. Possibly the same tax defaulter's money maybe used for importing the drugs. It is like the state facilitating narcotic drug imports creating a sick society of drug addicts.
Kapila Tuesday, 02 April 2024 09:52 AM
why does everything that stinks have to be 6.9
Sambo Tuesday, 02 April 2024 01:10 PM
They have contributed this tax money to politicians for election expense.
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