INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
A final decision on the revision of annual excise licence fees will be taken following further discussions due to the objections by liquor
distillers, associations etc., State Minister of Finance Ranjith Siyambalapitiya said.Accordingly, the state minister also stated that the
final decision on the matter will be taken at after President Ranil Wickremesinghe returns to the island.President Wickremesinghe is
currently visiting Switzerland to attend the 54th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum.The Head of State departed the island yesterday
(Jan.13) for a 12-day stay in the Swiss town of Davos where the event is taking place.However, the government had decided to revise the
Annual Excise License fees with effect from 12 January 2024 through an Excise Ordinance issued by the President.Accordingly, the Distillery
License fee (except for Palmyra arrack) was increased from Rs
25 million while the License fee for Palmyra arrack was increased from Rs
05 million.Meanwhile the License fee for bottling of Toddy was increased from Rs
10 million while the license fee for manufacturing vinegar had been increased from Rs
The annual Wholesale License for liquor was increased from Rs
05 million.The annual license fee for night clubs had been reduced from Rs
