President instructs Excise to effectively regulate alcohol industry

By Kurulu Koojana Kariyakarawana

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake yesterday instructed the Department of Excise to effectively regulate the alcohol industry in the country to increase state revenue generation, thus supporting economic growth and countering illicit liquor.
The President also drew attention towards countering illegal alcohol and implementing strong awareness programmes preventing health risks associated with unregulated alcohol consumption and ensuring public safety.  

The observations were made when President Dissanayake met with the heads of the Department of Excise at the Presidential Secretariat yesterday to discuss key areas related to alcohol regulation and revenue generation.
The discussion has been focused on addressing the current challenges faced by the Excise Department and achieving this year’s revenue targets. This included increasing state revenue through proper regulation of the alcohol and tobacco industries, facilitating legal revenue generation and enforcing compliance with laws and regulations.
Attention was drawn towards revenue collection and protection through an effective decision-making and management mechanism in strategic and operational activities.
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 attended the meeting.