Excise Department suspends licenses of five liquor companies

2 November 2023 03:12 pm - 10 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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The Excise Department said the licenses of five liquor manufacturing companies have been suspended due to their failure to pay tax arrears.

Accordingly, the licenses of Synergy Distilleries (Pvt) Ltd, Finnland Distilleries Corporation (Pvt) Ltd, Wayamba Distilleries, W M Mendis & Co Ltd and the Randenigala Distilleries Lanka (Pvt) Ltd have been suspended.

Excise Commissioner General Saman Jayasinghe said that the annual licenses for these companies, which had long-standing arrears, expired on October 31 and were not renewed.

Accordingly, the production and distribution of their alcohol products have also been prohibited.

"Some companies owe unpaid taxes for an extended period, and we provided them with a deadline to settle their dues. Only a few companies managed to meet this deadline, while one company has obtained a 40-day stay order against the decision," he said.

However, the Commissioner General assured that the market will not face an alcohol shortage due to the suspension of these companies. There are more than 20 liquor manufacturing companies in operation within the country and two companies, accounting for around 70 percent of the total production, are not among those suspended," Jayasinghe said.(Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya)

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Comments - 10

Ram Thursday, 02 November 2023 03:24 PM

Long standing arrears, how was the license renewed with arrears in the past? Could be that system failed this year by default

Steve Thursday, 02 November 2023 04:45 PM

These companies probably linked to powerful Politicians. They will be back again soon.

Buddhist Thursday, 02 November 2023 05:20 PM

Canceling the licenses only is not the issue, the arrears should be collected. To do this assets of the owners of these companies must be seized through a court.

ravin Thursday, 02 November 2023 05:32 PM

Do not be surprise if the commissioner get suspended and companies operate as usual. That's how the country's system get going.

Gayan Thursday, 02 November 2023 05:51 PM

One company has obtained a stay order it says. See how corrupt this country is.

Independent citizen Friday, 03 November 2023 05:54 AM

It certainly got all the hallmarks of Companies in question are colluding not to pay tax. Colluding should be illegal in any industry, should be prosecuted not only to collect tax (including penalties) also punish further for colluding. They also might be banking on the crisis we are facing and government need sake exercise tax from public.

Tinpot president and his hora nade Friday, 03 November 2023 06:45 AM

Correction: The Excise Department suspends licenses of five liquor companies that were competitors of companies run by pohottuwa politicians.

Sleazy President Friday, 03 November 2023 06:48 AM

Don't worry when they bribe Ranils criminal syndicate they can operate normally without paying tax.

Robney Friday, 03 November 2023 09:03 AM

In devolop countries if taxes

gamini Friday, 03 November 2023 09:09 AM

why not arrest the owners

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Excise Department suspends licenses of five liquor companies

Comments - 10

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