Excise Commissioner rejects allegations of illegal permit issuance during election period
Excise Commissioner General M.J. Gunasiri has strongly denied accusations that a large number of excise permits were issued illegally during the recent Presidential Election period.
In a statement, Gunasiri clarified that these claims are unfounded and misrepresent the department’s licensing procedures. Since May of last year, only 172 excise licences have been granted, generating Rs 2.2 billion in revenue for the government. He emphasised that all licences were issued following a government policy decision, ensuring full transparency and legal compliance, contrary to the allegations of widespread illegal permits.
Gunasiri pointed to this as a key success of the Excise Department, underscoring its role in supporting the national economy. Additionally, he confirmed that companies holding excise licences have committed to clearing their tax arrears for 2023 and 2024, with a deadline for full payment set for 30 November 2024.
The Commissioner stressed that the department adheres to strict oversight in issuing excise permits, operating under the government’s policy framework and ensuring that all actions are in line with legal standards, as demonstrated by the Rs 2.2 billion revenue generated since May last year.
