No liquor on Nov. 16, 17

By Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya  

Liquor shops across the country will be closed on November 16 and 17 in view of the presidential election, the Excise Department said.  

Deputy Excise Commissioner Kapila Kumarasinghe said the decision was taken on a request made by the Commissioner General of Elections on the orders of the Election Commission in order to facilitate free and fair elections.  

Accordingly, special raids and patrols would be carried out across the country to enforce the law against those violating Excise regulations.  

All Excise Officers have been instructed to take action to prevent the production, transportation, possession and trafficking of illicit liquor and illicit drugs.   Deputy Excise Commissioner Kapila Kumarasinghe said a special 24-hour hot-line 1913 would be opened for the public to lodge complaints.