Ethimale Plantations has been found to have used urea during the ethanol-making process on two separate occasions, despite a clear warning from Excise officials not to do so, reports Sri Lanka Mirror.
The issue came to light following an internal inquiry by the Excise Unit attached to Ethimale Distilleries. A letter was later sent to the distillery manager to formally report the violation.
In the letter, the Officer in Charge stated that he had personally warned the manager on July 17, 2025, against using urea, explaining that doing so could lead to serious consequences. “I clearly told you not to use urea and explained the risks involved,” the officer wrote.
However, the letter says that the very next day—on July 18 at around 1:10 p.m.—50 kilograms of urea were brought into the facility using a wheelbarrow. The action was reportedly carried out on the manager’s orders.
The officer also reminded the manager that, under existing rules, all distillery operations are closely monitored by the on-site Excise Unit, regardless of who owns or manages the plant. “It is our job to oversee everything that happens here, and that authority cannot be bypassed,” the letter added.
