Deputy Minister lauds Excise Officers' service

Adhering to the Mathata Thitha concept embodied in the Mahinda Chinthanaya the Excise Department Officers had accomplished an appreciable service by raiding illicit liquor and other allied substances such as narcotics.

Finance and Planning Deputy Minister Chandrasiri Gajadeera presenting a memento to an officer who had completed 25 years of service. Association President W L D Weerasekara looks on.

This fact is well proven with the large number of raids conducted by the officers which amounted to 1874 during the last year, said Finance and Planning Deputy Minister Chandrasiri Gajadeera.

The major intoxicating substances are heroine and cannabis which are abundantly used, especially in the Colombo District.

Therefore it is vitally important to prevent the transport of such poisonous illegal substances from outskirts to Colombo.

The responsibility of combating this menace rests with the Excise officers, said the Deputy Minister, delivering the key note address at the 59th All Ceylon Excise Sergeants' and Guards' Association Anniversary held in Colombo.

Officers who had served in the Excise Department for more than 25 years and the officers who had executed a maximum number of recorded raids were felicitated at this occasion.

Western Province Governor Alavi Moulana, Ruwan Ranatunga, Bharatha Laxman Premachandra and Government Service Trade Union Federation President W A Piyadasa was also present.