Liquor outlets in Kandy closed for Esala Perahera

Indika Polkotuwa and Asela Kuruluwansha

All liquor outlets in the purview of the Kandy Municipal Council and three kilometres from the Kandy city limits will be closed until August 17, the final date of the Esala festival, Assistant Excise Commissioner W. Vansuriya told the Daily News yesterday.

Liquor outlets in the Kandy city limits were closed from August 02 and all the liquor outlets within city limits and three kilometres beyond city limits will be closed from August 7, the date on which the Kumbal Perahera starts.

Liquor outlets in Gangavatakorale, Harispattuwa, Pathadumbara, Yatinuwara, Udunuwara, Kundasale and Pathahewaheta Divisional Secretariat Divisions will be closed till August 17, the final date of the Esala Perahera.

The Excise Department has initiated a programme to raid liquor outlets not adhering to this law.