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Liquor production up by 22%: Finance Ministry

Published

1 year ago

2025/03/10

By Saman Indrajith

Finance Ministry officials have recently informed the Parliamentary Committee on Public Finance (COPF) that during the past two months, liquor production in the country has increased by 22%, and revenue has grown by 23%.

During a meeting presided over by COPF Chair Dr. Harsha de Silva, the Finance Ministry officials announced that plans were underway to introduce a new brand of liquor.

The COPF approved a proposal submitted by the officials to increase the excise duty on liquor.

Finance Ministry officials informed the committee that, under the Order pursuant to Section 3 of the Excise (Special Provisions) Act, No. 13 of 1989, a 5.9% increase had been proposed in the excise duty on all items subject to a fixed rupee value-based excise duty, including motor vehicles, cigarettes, aerated beverages, and tobacco products. Furthermore, under Excise Notification No. 01/2025 issued under Section 22 of the Excise Ordinance (Chapter 52), a 5.9% increase in the excise duty on liquor products had also been proposed, the officials said.

The Committee considered the Gazette Extraordinary No. 2418/42, published under Excise Notification No. 01/2025 (Excise Duty on Liquor) issued under Section 22 of the Excise Ordinance (Chapter 52), Gazette Extraordinary No. 2418/43, published under the Order under Section 3 of the Excise (Special Provisions) Act, and Gazette Extraordinary No. 2415/79, published under the Regulations under Section 112 of the Regulation of Insurance Industry Act No. 43 of 2000, at the committee meeting.

The Committee deliberated on the Order under Section 3 of the Excise (Special Provisions) Act, No. 13 of 1989, as well as Excise Notification No. 01/2025 issued under Section 22 of the Excise Ordinance (Chapter 52).

Dr. de Silva, however, did not approve the proposal to increase the excise duty on cigarettes. He stated that an increase in the excise duty on cigarettes could not be approved without concrete data and emphasized the need for justification regarding the steps taken to increase the excise duty on cigarettes. Furthermore, he pointed out that studies on excise revenue from cigarettes indicated the way the excise duty was calculated had led to a decline in government revenue while increasing the profits of the tobacco manufacturing companies. Therefore, he stressed the importance of ensuring that this tax revision would help increase government revenue. Consequently, the Chair decided to reconsider the Order issued under Section 3 of the Excise (Special Provisions) Act, No. 13 of 1989, at the next committee meeting, following further clarifications from officials of the Ministry of Finance regarding the excise duty increase.

The proposal to increase the excise duty on liquor under Excise Notification No. 01/2025, issued under Section 22 of the Excise Ordinance (Chapter 52), was considered and approved by the COPF. During the discussions, Members of Parliament raised concerns that such tax increases could potentially drive individuals to the consumption and production of illicit liquor. In response, officials stated that raids against illicit liquor operations were being conducted.

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Russian circumnavigation team arrive in Sri Lanka

Published

3 hours ago

2026/04/26

Priyan

The Russian circumnavigation team, the 5 Oceans Club, made a brief stop in Sri Lanka as part of their second global sailing expedition.

The six-member crew, visited the Russian House in Colombo, on Friday, (24th April) where they shared insights from their journey.

What makes this expedition particularly inspiring is the club’s commitment to inclusivity. They actively encourage children with limb disabilities to experience the ocean and participate in sailing as equals, fostering confidence and a deep connection with nature.

The team also spoke about a specialized sailing school based in Siberia—one of Russia’s most picturesque regions—where children with such challenges are trained and introduced to maritime life. During the session, they offered a glimpse into their daily life aboard the yacht and highlighted how they integrate elements of science into their explorations, making their journey both adventurous and educational.

The crew consists of, Dmitry Kuznetsov – (captain of the boat of the 5 Oceans Club), ⁠Vladimir Dudkin – (crew member), ⁠Dmitry Dudkin –(cabin boy), ⁠Ksenia Kuznetsova – (cabin boy), ⁠Natalia Shahinyan – (founder of the charity foundation “Life on the Move”), ⁠Sofia Sheremet -(ward of the foundation)

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Heat Index at Caution Level in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, and Eastern provinces and in Monaragala district during the day time

Published

9 hours ago

2026/04/26

Priyan

Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 25 April 2026, valid for 26 April 2026.

The Heat index, the temperature felt on the human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, and Eastern provinces and in Monaragala district during the day time.

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 above table 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 011-744649

News

Sagarika derailment disrupts coastal rail line; services to resume in two days

Published

10 hours ago

2026/04/26

Thilina Walpola

Railway General Manager Ravindra Pathmapriya said on Friday that re-railing operations of the derailed ‘Sagarika’ train have already commenced and that services on the Coastal Line are expected to be restored within two days.

Addressing the media, he said the Minister had instructed officials to take all necessary measures to minimise inconvenience to passengers.

Commenting on the incident, he said: “The damaged train is a significant loss for us, especially as our fleet is already limited. We have incurred this loss and hope to rectify the situation promptly. However, we will need to deploy an alternative train in its place, and discussions are currently underway.”

The ‘Sagarika’ train, operating from Beliatta to Maradana, derailed near the Wadduwa Railway Station on Friday morning (24), causing severe damage to one track of the dual-line section.

The Railway Department has since restricted services on the affected Coastal Line up to Panadura Railway Station.

Arrangements have been made to transport passengers from Panadura to South Kalutara by Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) buses, from where train services will resume towards Matara and Beliatta.

Meanwhile, the Department said efforts are underway to clear the obstruction and restore at least one track by the end of the day.