Three day liquor ban

Suraj A Bandara

The Public Administration and Home Affairs Ministry announced that all taverns, liquor shops, betting shops, night clubs, casinos and abattoirs will be closed from May 16 to 18 (3 days) together with a ban on the sale of meat including at supermarkets on May 17 and 18 on account of the 2600th Sri Sambuddhathva Jayanthi celebrations which starts from Vesak Poya Day.

Meanwhile the government has announced that the week starting from May 14 to 20 will be declared as Vesak Week and Vesak days will be May 17 and 18.

The Vesak theme of this year will be " 2600 Sambuddhathva Jayanthiyata Piliwethin Pelagasemu".

The President's Committee on Sri Sambuddhathva Jayanthi 2600 has decided that all state institutions should display banners/ hoardings highlighting the great event starting from May 14 to 20.

The Public Administration and Home Affairs Ministry further announced that in addition to displaying Buddhist flags at all government institutions all institutions should be illuminated to commemorate the 2,600th Sambuddhatva Jayanthi.