The Hon. Rohana Bandara

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, we are expressing views on the Rules under the Excise Ordinance. Many proposals were presented. The Excise Department is a key revenue generator.

¶ 02 We discussed that some producers do not remit collected excise to the State. Where that happens, firm action is needed. These businesses operate under Government licenses; proper administration should prevent non-payment. Before renewing a license, outstanding dues should be examined and, if unpaid, renewal refused—this will compel settlement.

¶ 03 Another major topic is the growing narcotics menace. New drugs are entering society, even affecting schoolchildren, with schools becoming targets. One reason is the high excise taxes raising prices of legal alcohol, pushing people towards illicit spirits or drugs that yield no tax revenue but have been unintentionally promoted by policy.

¶ 04 Due to excessive taxes, even a standard bottle has become unaffordable compared to duty-free whisky prices, driving older rural drinkers toward illicit kasippu, expanding that market. Youth, unable to consume kasippu, turn to narcotics within their limited means. Thus, tax policy aimed at quick revenue has brought great social harm. We propose reducing excise on legal alcohol to affordable levels so consumers are drawn away from illicit brews and drugs, helping safeguard our youth.

¶ 05 Turning to agriculture, though we say we are self-sufficient in rice, we have not fully met national needs. There is no planned cultivation aligned to demand for Nadu, Samba, Keeri Samba, etc. Because of water concerns, farmers grow quick-maturing paddy during Yala and shift to Nadu, while Keeri Samba remains short.

¶ 06 I believe Keeri Samba is not actually in short supply now, but the main millers are hoarding to control prices, as a segment of consumers will not shift from Keeri Samba. The Government should intervene—encourage increased Keeri Samba cultivation with seed provision, and procure at fair prices above what moneylenders and traders pay, then release stocks methodically. Importing Ponni Samba will not substitute Keeri Samba; it will not lower Keeri Samba prices.

¶ 07 Our farmers are also struggling to sell their produce. Potato farmers face issues, and in Anuradhapura big onion farmers cannot sell their stocks even after import duties were imposed, because unlike Indian or Pakistani onions, our big onions are not as dry and cannot be stored long—especially in this rainy season—so they rot. Urgent measures and a plan are needed to ensure fair marketing for these farmers.

¶ 08 Thank you for the time, Hon. Presiding Member.