A new head was appointed recently to the department that collects duties on alcohol drinks.

In fact, this new appointee had earlier held this post in an acting capacity.

The news about the move to appoint him as the head of the revenue-earning department drew a howl of protests from the trade unions and some white-collar high-ups. However, the man was duly appointed later.

The trade union leaders of the department who made inquiries into whys and the wherefores for making this appointment despite their strong protests had found two politicos behind it: one of them, a purohita from Athugalpura area and the other a businessman-politico from the Matale District. Incidentally, the duo had received the egging-on from a clergyman from the Opposition as well. 

Meanwhile, the conduct of the new head has come under strict surveillance on an order from high above, they say.