The Excise Department has once again taken action to suspend the production activities of two liquor companies, W. M. Mendis and Company, and Randenigala Distilleries, due to their failure to fulfill the agreed-upon tax payment commitments.

Excise Media Spokesman Kapila Kumara Sinha revealed that the decision to suspend production was made after the companies did not comply with the agreements reached during the earlier suspension of production activities.

As part of the agreements, the companies had committed to paying a portion of their outstanding taxes by the specified deadline last Saturday. However, it has come to light that one of the companies was required to pay 213 million rupees, but only 800,000 rupees was remitted, falling significantly short of the agreed-upon amount.

"The suspension of production is a result of the companies' failure to adhere to the mutually agreed-upon tax payment terms. The Excise Department takes such measures to ensure compliance with tax regulations and to safeguard the revenue owed to the government," explained Excise Media Spokesman Kapila Kumara Sinha.

The suspended production activities will remain in effect until the outstanding tax arrears are settled in accordance with the agreements reached between the Excise Department and the respective companies.