M.J. Gunasiri, Commissioner General of the Excise Department, has dismissed recent claims of substantial tax arrears involving the Inland Revenue Department, Sri Lanka Customs, and the Excise Department as unfounded. At a press briefing, Gunasiri clarified that the combined outstanding tax amount for these agencies is approximately Rs.90 billion, a figure he described as typical, representing only 3%-5% of total tax revenue.

He also said that these departments recorded a historic revenue achievement in 2023, exceeding Rs.3 trillion. Notably, they managed to generate a surplus in the primary account for the first time in 25 years.