The Excise Department has announced the suspension of licences for five liquor manufacturing companies, citing their failure to settle outstanding tax payments.
According to Excise Commissioner General Saman Jayasinghe, the annual licences for these companies, which had accumulated significant tax arrears, expired on 31 October and were not renewed. Consequently, these companies are no longer permitted to produce or distribute their alcoholic products.
Commissioner General Saman Jayasinghe explained, “Several companies had long-standing tax liabilities, and we had previously set a deadline for them to clear their dues. Regrettably, only a few companies were able to meet this deadline. One company has managed to secure a 40-day stay order against the decision.”
Despite the suspension of these companies, Commissioner General Jayasinghe assured that the market will not experience an alcohol shortage. The country has over 20 active liquor manufacturing companies, and the two largest companies, responsible for approximately 70 percent of the total production, have not been affected by the suspension, he said.