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GMOA unhappy over re-opening of liquor shops

15 May 2020 08:31 am - 8     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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While expressing its displeasure over the Government’s decision to re-open liquor shops in the country, the Government Medical Officers' Association (GMOA) said the behavior of people at liquor shops could not be condoned.

GMOA Assistant Secretary Naveen de Zoysa told Daily Mirror that people had taken the health guidelines for granted and acted as if the threat of Covid-19 had vanished from the country.

“Covid-19 is on the wave in the world and Sri Lanka is not out of the woods yet. Hence, it is absolutely vital to comply with health guidelines like maintaining one-meter distance when engaged in activities outside, “Dr. de Zoysa said.

“The responsibility of maintaining an orderly dispensation of liquor should also be ensured by the owners of the liquor shops. They should have the guts to ensure that their customers maintain the relevant distance. If they appear to be unable to do so, they should be ordered to close down the shops,” Dr. de Zoysa added.

He said public discipline was of utmost importance at a situation of this nature.

Commenting on the current state of the country in terms of containing Covid-19, Dr. de Zoysa said they could be happy with the commitment made by the government and health officials to mitigate the situation.

The Excise Department announced on Wednesday (13) that liquor shops could be re-opened in the areas where the curfew was not in effect.

Accordingly, those who hold Wholesale License (FL3), Retail License (FL4) and Beer, Ale, Stout & Wine License for retail sale (22A) were permitted to open shops under strict guidelines.

Bars at supermarkets in Colombo and Gampaha were also permitted to re-open. (Sheain Fernandopulle)


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  Comments - 8

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  • DillonDP Friday, 15 May 2020 07:35 PM

    GMOA is acting like presidents wife

    Dave Labrooy Friday, 15 May 2020 08:17 PM

    GMOA advice should be followed.They pushed the Government to bring the lockdown which has saved Sri Lanka so far Not only liquor shops but large textile shops which were attracting crowds this week in Gampaha and Colombo districts should be closed

    Mohan Gunasekara Friday, 15 May 2020 08:26 PM

    This country is loosing LKR 15 million a day in Excise Duty with liquor shops being closed.. However, it is asking underpaid public servants to donate their monthly pay to the government. A contradiction is sound economic management !!!

    Warren Raed Friday, 15 May 2020 09:57 PM

    As if those in the GMOA don't consume alcohol?

    Kanishka Jayatilleke Friday, 15 May 2020 10:41 PM

    This country has lost all respect for the GMOA so let them bay at the moon!

    Rod Friday, 15 May 2020 11:59 PM

    Liquor shops must be closed. Whether the GMOA drinks or not that is nothing to do with social distancing. People don't care to listen. It's all for their own good. Distance yourselves not 1 metre but 2 metres. Save lives !

    Kingsley Wijesinhe Saturday, 16 May 2020 12:01 AM

    Anything that makes the GMOA unhappy makes me happy. Those idiots should just get on with their job of treating patients in hospitals.

    Chris O Saturday, 16 May 2020 12:43 AM

    Bloody Hypocrites. They advocate strikes by front line medical staff at hospitals with no thought for the hardships and risk of life of the patients forgetting that their education has been funded by the tax payers of this nation. Now they act like they have a moral code.


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