A delegation of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) met the officials of the Excise Department this morning.
The Excise Department said that a discussion should be held about the tax revenue from the sale of tobacco and alcohol in this country.
Meanwhile, State Minister for Finance Ranjith Siyambalapitiya has said that last year through the Excise Department, a tax income of Rs. 170 billion was given to the government.
The State Minister claims that even when the country is in a difficult economic situation, such tax revenue has been given by the Excise Department even though the consumption of alcohol etc. has decreased by 20% to 30% in this country.
The State Minister emphasizes that the number of countries that use alcohol produced in this country is 35.
The State Minister also pointed out that 20 million dollars have been earned as income to the country from the exported alcohol in 2021.
He also disclosed that it has received 21 million dollars by last year.
He further said that recently the excise duty was increased in this country to reduce usage, and currently, there is a lack of usage.
Minister mentions that the legalization of local liquor with demand will be a solution to the foreign exchange problem.
He also emphasized that it is the responsibility of the responsible institutions, including the Excise Department, to prepare the necessary background for that.
The Minister said this recently (12) while joining the ceremony held at the head office of the Excise Department, Rajagiriya for the 110th anniversary of the Excise Department.
