Plans under way to legalise moonshine

by Shirajiv Sirimane

Plans are under way to legalise the illicit brewing of moonshine, better known as Kassipu. The task has been undertaken by the UNF Member of Parliament in Gampaha District, Olitha Premaratne.

Mr. Premaratne told the Daily News in an interview that he had already written to the Chainman of the Board of Investment (BOI) and to his superiors in the United Front Government. "I am awaiting the green light to go ahead with this project which will be a BOI venture," he said.

When contacted, Chairman, BOI, Arjunna Mahendran said that they had received a proposal to consider exporting Moonshine as a BOI venture. "The proposal though controversial is a feasible idea. It can be a good business venture for Sri Lanka," he said.

The Chairman said that Moonshine has no quality control and therefore it has to be first approved by the Sri Lanka Bureau of Standards. "Then we can seriously take up this proposal," he said.

The Chairman said that Mr. Premaratne, an enterprising man is imbued with new ideas.

Premaratne who holds a BSc from the English University of Hurbern in Electrical Engineering said that there was a great deal of illicit brewing of moonshine in the area which is a great health hazard as well as an household problem. "This is the main reason why I want to legalise this," he said.

The 32-year-old politician who entered Parliament last year said that if one looks at history, popular international brands such as Vodka and Malibu too had started without the green light of their governments.

"I am planning to have a special area like the BOI and invite some of these illicit brewers to start the industry. Through the State Distilleries Corporation and other technical institutes I will help them to add technology to their product," he said. "I am sure that these brewers will be able to bring out a quality controlled product which will be of international standard."

Premaratne who is also a lawyer said that he wants this product manufactured in several local fruit flavours and packed in special bottles in the form of coconut and name this product "Sri Lankan Kassipu".

The MP said that he first hopes to have an outlet at the Katunayake International Airport to market this product. "I was in England for ten years and have enough contacts to market "Sri Lanka Kasippu" there. Later I will go for the European market," he said.

He said that at present a bottle of illicit brew is being sold at Rs. 50 but with technology and more employees coming in the producer will have to spent around Rs. 500 per bottle. "But I am positive that one bottle in England can be sold between Sterling Pounds 10 and 15.

He said that the Europeans have a penchant for hand made products such as Rolex watches and Rolls Royce cars. "They are not interested from where the product comes from. They are only interested in the taste and quality." In time to come this will be like the Wine industry in France, he said.

The Parliamentarian also has several development plans for the District. "I am planning to bring down a team of technical experts from China to promote the fireworks industry which is well-known in Kimbulapitiya.

"At present the industry is having problems as some of the raw materials needed is banned. I hope to iron out this problem with the relevant authorities soon. With the technical expertise coming I am sure that this industry too could find an international market," he said.

Premaratne also said that he would explore the possibility to add technology to the tile and brick industry which is also very popular in the district. "Plans are also under way to build a recreation centre including a Lovers Park in Katunayake with the assistance of the BOI for garment sector employees," he said.

"I am also interested in promoting our popular 'Baila' music to the world. If Bangara and Lambada can have an international market why can't our songs find a place there?. We have to modernise the way these songs are presented," he said.