LNP – Strict programme underway to counter Kandy’s liquor consumption during sacred exposition

A 10-day strict programme is underway presently to counter the sale and consumption of alcohol within the Kandy City limits during the period of the exposition of the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Sri Dalada Maligawa, the Department of Excise announced yesterday.

With effect from today (18) until Monday April 28, the sale of alcoholic beverages has been prohibited as per the Excise order, where all liquor outlets, restaurants, bars and taverns within the Kandy City limit will remain shut.

When contacted, Commissioner General of Excise U L Udaya Kumara told the Daily Mirror yesterday the order was made with regards to a request by the Kandy District Secretary to cease all liquor sales during the sacred exposition.

The department has deployed over 200 Excise officials both in uniform and civvies to counter unlawful sale of liquor targeting hundreds of thousands of spectators and devotees who are expected to throng the hill capital during the period.

Assistant Excise Commissioner Central Province Thissa Kumara Rajapksha will oversee the operations, whereas special teams from Colombo, North Central and North Western Provinces will be sent to Kandy.

The Excise Chief warned of tough legal action against those who violate the law and requested the public to inform any instances of violations to Excise hotline 1913.