18 September 2021 03:04 pm
A full scale investigation should be conducted into the opening of liquor stores yesterday, Environment Minister Mahinda Amaraweera said.
Addressing the media he said it is unacceptable to presume that the Excise Commissioner unknowingly ordered the opening of wine stores. "I came to know about this incident from the media.
However, an immediate investigation should be conducted. I cannot say it is appropriate to keep the wine shops opened when there is a curfew in place," the minister said.
He said people should not open the wine stores at a time when there are restrictions in place to purchase essential goods.
We requested the Finance Ministry and the relevant authorities to conduct a full scale investigation into what went wrong, the minister said. (Chaturanga Samarawickrama)