Trade unions representing the Excise Department have strongly condemned recent remarks made by Commissioner General of Excise, M.B.N.A. Pemarathne, who claimed that 20% to 30% of the department’s staff are involved in corruption.
The controversial statement, made during a trade union meeting held on Friday (17), has triggered widespread discontent among Excise officers, with the Unity of Excise Trade Unions calling it “baseless and irresponsible.”
In a joint statement, TUs raised concerns over how such sweeping allegations could be made at a time when the department has exceeded its revenue target, achieving a collection rate of 107%.
“These claims show a serious lack of understanding regarding public administration and the taxation system,” the unions said, adding that the remarks have demoralised officers who have contributed to the department’s record performance.
The Executive Committee of the TUs have scheduled a meeting with the Commissioner General on Tuesday (21) to demand an immediate retraction and clarification.
TUs further said that they will not hesitate to resort to trade union action if a correction is not made.
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