Excise Dept instructed to strengthen database system

The Committee on Public Accounts (COPA) has recommended the Excise Department to expedite the preparation of the computer database system to streamline the process of calculating excise revenue by linking the Excise Department, the Customs Department and the Inland Revenue Department.

Mr. M.J. Gunasiri, Commissioner General of Excise has told the Committee that preliminary work on the computer system has already begun and will be completed by January 2023. 
The Committee has instructed the Commissioner General of Excise to call for bids from the University of Moratuwa and the University of Colombo and make appropriate arrangements. 

The Committee pointed out that this would enable the country to carry out the functions of the Excise Department, one of the country's leading revenue earners, more efficiently and increase its revenue significantly.

The Committee chaired by Hon. (Prof.) Tissa Vitarana to inquire into the Auditor General's Report for the year 2020 and its current performance, highlighted management shortcomings, including the failure to document and maintain information on excise duty reduction on liquor exports, and directed that appropriate action be taken to rectify them as soon as possible.