COVID-19 spread force hotline 1913 shut for 14 days

Excise Operations Room hotline No. 1913 which is usually kept open for 24 hours to accept and act on complaints related to illicit brewing and selling of alcohol, and offences related to tobacco and narcotics, would be closed until April 23 due to the spread of Covid-19 within its Headquarters.

The Excise Department said the Excise Operations Room will be kept closed for 14 days as its officials were detected as first contacts of the infected at its Headquarters in Rajagiriya.

The Commissioner General of Excise ordered the contacts of the  infected to be placed under self quarantine process as per instructions given by the Health authorities.

However, the Department said, 071 6345291, 071 3108507 or 071 8122333 telephone lines will remain open until April 23 instead of 1913 hotline to the public to provide information on illegal drugs.(DSB)