The Finance Ministry has taken measures to launch an investigation into the counterfeit alcohol stickers to obtain Excise revenue for the government, Finance State Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya said.

He told the media that it was reported that bottles of liquor pasted with counterfeit security stickers were entering the local market.

The Excise Department has conducted separate investigations in each district in search of the liquor bottles with fake security stickers.

"I came to know that some fake stikers were found in several districts.

Stern and maximum legal action will be taken against the companies involved in pasting fake security stickers on liquor bottles. It has been decided to impose maximum fines and taxes on these companies on behalf of the government.

"Officers attached to the Excise Department have been assigned to every government and private liquor manufacturing factories to inspect the legal manufacturing and distribution. If any of the officials are responsible, maximum legal action will also be taken against them," Minister Siyambalapitiya said.