The Sri Lanka Liquor Licensees’ Association has alleged that certain excise officers are demanding bribes from liquor license holders in order to allow them to continue operating their establishments.
Association Chairman Ajith Udugama stated that the Commissioner General of Excise has been formally notified in writing regarding these incidents. He further accused excise officers of harassing license holders who refuse to pay bribes, even going as far as making false allegations against them.
A letter outlining these concerns has been sent to the Excise Commissioner General, with copies forwarded to the President, the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC), and the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
Udugama pointed out that while some major violations by license holders go unnoticed, excise officers are using minor infractions as a pretext to solicit bribes.
He also alleged that during the previous government, certain excise officers had issued liquor licenses to their close friends and relatives.
