Sri Lanka, July 6 -- The Excise Department has recorded a sharp increase in revenue for the first half of 2025, collecting Rs. 120.5 billion - a 102.6 percent rise compared to the corresponding period last year and exceeding its mid-year target.

The Department's senior officials said it is on track to surpass its annual target of Rs. 242 billion, up from last year's target of Rs. 230 billion. In 2024, the total collection stood at Rs. 226.7 billion. The surge has been attributed primarily to a rise in legal alcohol sales and intensified enforcement of excise laws, said Additional Excise Commissioner General Rohana Senaratna. He credited the increase to enhanced regulatory measures under the present administration. A key contributor to th...