Sri Lanka Excise Department is exploring the introduction of a low-cost alcohol product to tackle the widespread issue of illicit liquor in the country.
The Commissioner General of the Excise Department, U.L. Udaya Kumara Perera revealed that illicit liquor production causes the department to lose nearly 30% of its annual revenue. He stated that merely conducting raids is not enough to solve the problem, highlighting the need for alternative measures.
Following discussions with the Finance Ministry, a proposal has been made to introduce an affordable alcohol product as a legal alternative to illicit brews. The product will undergo quality testing by the Government Analysts Department before being made available in the local market.
The Commissioner emphasized that this initiative aims not to promote alcohol consumption or boost revenue but to reduce addiction to unsafe and unregulated illicit liquor.
