News
Artificial toddy manufacturers deprive govt. over Rs 80 billion in revenue annually – Pathirana
Minister Cabraal thanks MP for constructive criticism, promises action
By Saman Indrajith
The state coffers lost over Rs 80 billion a year owing to tax evasion by artificial toddy manufacturers, Parliament was told yesterday (25).
Matara District SJB MP Buddhika Pathirana said that the total loss would be much higher if the serious health problems those illicit brewers caused to people’s health was taken into account . “As per the reports, artificial toddy is produced by mixing urea, ammonia, nickel cadmium of old batteries and sugar. This harmful brew is sold at liquor shops and used for manufacturing ‘coconut arrack’ and vinegar.” .
In response to the MP’s query whether the government would bring in new laws to nab tax evaders, State Minister of Money & Capital Market and State Enterprise Reforms Ajith Nivard Cabraal said that the MP’s concerns were appreciated and the government would certainly put in place a mechanism to do so.
Minister Cabraal said that there were two types of methods to regulate the quality of toddy, which was used to produce vinegar. “The first method should be initiated by the vinegar producers who have doubts about the quality of toddy they used. The producers could send samples of the suspected toddy to the Government Analyst’s Department and ask for a report. Upon receipt of the report, the producers could decide whether they would use the same material. The Excise Department officials could visit the vinegar factories and test the toddy they use. These two methods are employed at present.”
MP Pathirana said that some officials who were in the pay of toddy manufacturers compiled false reports to mislead policymakers. “I want to know whether an independent probe could be arranged with a team of investigators comprising officials from the Ministries of Finance, Health and the Trade Ministry’s Consumer Protection Authority to ascertain the damage inflicted by artificial toddy on our society,” the MP queried.
Minister Cabraal said that he would make arrangements as requested by the Opposition MP.
MP Pathirana:
It has been mentioned in the budget proposals that new mechanisms will be introduced to prevent tax evasions. As per the reports, the toddy producers evade taxes to the tune of Rs 80 billion or even more. But an official recently placed the amount at Rs. 40 billion. It is good that the government is introducing a foolproof sticker on the bottles of liquor for which taxes have been paid. Can the government think of a similar method to solve this problem too? The amount of brew being sold as coconut toddy cannot be produced naturally even if all the coconut palms in the country were tapped. Will the government take steps to adderss this issue?
Minister Cabraal:
We understand that MP Pathirana has made very productive proposals and I assure you that we will take them into consideration.
Police urge motorists who intend to use the Ella – Wellawaya Road to use alternative roads as there is a severe vehicle congestion due to inclement weather condition.
The oil anointing ceremony for the Sinhala and Tamil New Year was held on April 16 at the historic Rajamaha Viharaya in Kolonnawa, with the participation of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.
Following the chanting of pirith, the oil anointing ritual was carried out at the auspicious time of 9:04 a.m., by the Chief Incumbent of the temple, Venerable Kolonnawa Dhammika Thero.
Speaking after the ceremony the Prime Minister said that:
“The Sinhala and Tamil New Year is one of the most important festivities in our country. It is a celebration with our families, reflecting our traditions and customs while strengthening the ties.
This festival leads the path for renewing unity, love, and bonds stronger. These values enrich a country. Development of a country is not limited by one-dimensional; a true development includes spirituality, relationships, and connections. The reason why we uphold these customs in such ceremonies is to remind ourselves of the significance and to pass on their value to future generations.
Therefore, today marks a significant day. Throughout this week, we came together and engaged in various activities. Followed by, the next event will mark the leaving for employment at the auspicious time and we should start working collectively to rebuild the country.
I wish everyone a New Year that is prosperous, peaceful, joyful, full of strengthened relationships, and most importantly, safe for all.”
The ceremony was graced by the presence of the Maha Sangha, and attended by the Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs Eranga Gunasekara, Divisional Secretary to Kolonnawa Priyanath Perera, Municipal Secretary Nelum Kumari Gamage, and the residents of the area.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
Latest News
Heat Index at ‘Caution Level’ at some places in Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Southern and Eastern provinces and in Rathnapura and Monaragala districts today [16]
Warm Weather Advisory Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology for 16 April 2025
The Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Southern and Eastern provinces and in Rathnapura and Monaragala districts.
The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.
Effect of the heat index on human body is mentioned in the table below and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.
ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated. Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.
Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491.
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