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.
Latest News
Seven new envoys to Sri Lanka present credentials to the President

Seven newly appointed foreign ambassadors to Sri Lanka presented their credentials to President Anura Kumara Disanayake today (15) at the Presidential Secretariat.
The new ambassadors represent the State of Israel, the Argentine Republic, the Republic of Zimbabwe, the Republic of the Philippines, the Republic of Tajikistan, the Kingdom of Cambodia, and the Kingdom of Denmark.
Accordingly:
* Mr. Mariano Agustin Caucino has been appointed as the Ambassador-designate of the Argentine Republic, based in New Delhi.
* Ms. Stella Nkomo has been appointed as the Ambassador-designate of the Republic of Zimbabwe, based in New Delhi.
* Mr. Reuven Javier Azar has been appointed as the Ambassador-designate of the State of Israel, based in New Delhi.
* Ms. Nina P. Cringlet has been appointed as the Ambassador-designate of the Republic of the Philippines, based in Dhaka.
* Mr. Lukmon Bobokalonzoda has been appointed as the Ambassador-designate of the Republic of Tajikistan, based in New Delhi.
* Ms. Rath Many has been appointed as the Ambassador-designate of the Kingdom of Cambodia, based in New Delhi.
* Mr. Rasmus Kristensen has been appointed as the Ambassador-designate of the Kingdom of Denmark, based in New Delhi.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Vijitha Herath, along with the Secretary to the President, Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, were also present at the occasion.
News
Presidential secretariat launches initiative to install sanitation facilities at fuel stations under “Clean Sri Lanka”

In a landmark move to promote public hygiene and accessibility, the Government on Wednesday (14) launched a national-level initiative to install modern sanitation facilities at fuel stations across the country under the “Clean Sri Lanka” programme.
The official launch was held at the Presidential Secretariat, with the participation of top government officials and key industry stakeholders.
The initiative aims to transform fuel stations into clean, safe and inclusive spaces by providing essential sanitation infrastructure accessible to all segments of the public, particularly women, children, the elderly and people with disabilities.
An MoU was signed between the Presidential Task Force on Clean Sri Lanka, the Ministry of Energy and the island’s four major fuel providers: Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC), Lanka IOC PLC (LIOC), Sinopec Energy Lanka (Pvt) Ltd and RM Parks (Pvt) Ltd.
Under the three-year programme, 540 modern public sanitation facilities will be established at selected fuel stations islandwide. The timeline for rollout is as follows:
Company | 2025 | 2026 | 2027 |
---|---|---|---|
CPC | 25 | 50 | 50 |
LIOC | 25 | 50 | 40 |
Sinopec | 25 | 50 | 75 |
RM Parks | 25 | 50 | 75 |
Total | 100 | 200 | 240 |
By the end of 2025, at least 100 of these facilities are expected to be operational, providing clean and user-friendly amenities to travellers across the country.
Speaking at the event, Secretary to the President Dr Nandika Sanath Kumanayake stated, “This is not just a policy commitment but a promise to build a healthier, cleaner and more dignified Sri Lanka. The Clean Sri Lanka initiative seeks to deliver long-term public services that meet modern hygiene standards.” He also highlighted that this partnership between the public and private sectors sets an example for delivering effective and sustainable services. Plans are in place to encourage further participation from large-scale private sector entities, such as retail chains, to extend the reach and impact of the programme.
The event was attended by Secretary to the Ministry of Energy, Prof. Udayanga Hemapala; Senior Additional Secretary to the President, Russell Aponsu; senior executives from the four fuel providers; and officials from the Clean Sri Lanka Presidential Task Force.
News
Financial assistance from the President’s Fund for next of kin of victims of the Kotmale bus accident disbursed through Divisional Secretariats

On the instructions of President Anura Kumara Disanayake, the funds allocated from the President’s Fund for those who lost their lives in the recent bus accident in the Garandiella area, Kotmale have now been forwarded to the relevant Divisional Secretariats.
Accordingly, a sum of Rs. 1 million will be provided to the next of kin of each individual whose life was lost in the accident, and the funds will be handed over to their respective family members.
These funds have been released to the Divisional Secretariats of the following areas—Tissamaharama, Lunugamvehera, Welimada, Haldummulla, Ella, Kundasale, Bamunakotuwa, Paduwasnuwara West, Polpithigama, Wanathawilluwa, Chilaw, Buttala, Thanamalwila, Wellawaya, Kanthale and Rambewa where the 22 individuals who lost their lives in the accident were residents.
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