Matara District Samagi Jana Balavegaya MP Buddhika Pathirana told Parliament on Friday that a group of racketeers have been successful in getting round the Excise Department introduced ‘foolproof’ stickers by printing counterfiets.
These are self-adhesive paper stickers affixed on the stoppers of liquor bottles, cans and kegs. Pathirana, speaking during the second reading debate of Budget 2023 said local racketeers have printed counterfeits which they stick on illicit liquor bottles and release them to the markets.
“The Excise Department has come to know of this racket costing the government revenue. They have commenced an investigation too. But the racketeers have been able to bribe excise officers and sweep the investigation under the carpet.
“Corrupt excise officers are well aware of the damage done by illicit booze to the national economy as well as the health of consumers. But their mouths have been shut by the moneybags of racketeers.
“I have raised this issue of racketeers working hand in glove with excise officers in this House and demand to know what follow up action the Excise Department had taken subsequent to my exposures. It must be held responsible for the drain of public revenue owing to its lethargic attitude,” Pathirana said.