⚖️ AG to Pursue Rs. 6.2 B Liquorg Tax Recovery via District Court

• State Action: The Attorney General’s Department informed the Supreme Court that judicial recovery proceedings will be filed in the District Court to collect over Rs. 6.2 billion in unpaid liquor tax arrears. • Legal Context: Disclosure came during a Fundamental Rights petition filed by 17 social activists (including Sanjaya Mahawaththa) seeking immediate recovery of State revenue. • Scale of Arrears: Total unpaid taxes owed by liquor manufacturers reached Rs. 6.221 billion as of June 15, 2023. • Entities Involved: Key respondents named include the Commissioner General of Excise, State Minister of Finance, Auditor General, and major manufacturers such as W.M. Mendis & Co., Wayamba Distilleries, McCallum Brewing, and Globe Blenders. • Next Steps: The Supreme Court fixed the petition for further hearing on November 16.