With prices high, boozers going for illicit liquor

Following the tax hike, illicit arrack production increased exponentially in recent months as many Sri Lankans found themselves unable to afford a decent shot of a local brand.

Therefore, many switched to the cheaper ‘moonshine’ which is commonly available in urban cities nowadays after being procured from rural areas.

As sales went down significantly, the

Sri Lanka Liquor Licence Holders Association was concerned.

Addressing a media briefing, its President Dallas Fernando said many dangerous chemicals, including one used in tranquilisers to tame wild elephants, were among the source materials used in the illicit attack manufacturing process.

It gives not just a mule’s kick, as the saying goes, but an elephantine kick, said a habitual tippler.

Mr. Fernando also said the government could increase its revenue up to Rs 300 billion from the current Rs 170 billion if taxes were reduced.