Two weeks of dry spell of liquor for Kataragama Esala Festival

• Sale of liquor is prohibited from Saturday, July 6th to Monday, July 22nd within the Kataragama Divisional Secretariat area

By Kurulu Koojana Kariyakarawana

The sale of alcoholic beverages has been banned for 16 days by order of the Excise Chief in respect of the Ruhunu Maha Kataragama Devalaya’s Esala Festival, which is to commence today in the Southern religious town of Kataragama.

Therefore, the sale of liquor is prohibited from Saturday, July 6th to Monday, July 22nd within the Kataragama Divisional Secretariat area.

Commissioner General of Excise M. J. Gunasiri issuing a communiqué said yesterday all bars, taverns and wine stores with Excise licenses are ordered to remain shut during the stipulated period, while hotels, guesthouses and restaurants are prohibited from selling liquor, although they are opened for business.

The decision has been taken following a request made by the Monaragala District Secretariat and the communiqué has been copied to Basnayake Nilame of the Ruhunu Maha Kataragama Devalaya, Divisional Secretary Kataragama.

The Assistant Excise Commissioner Uva Province with Excise Superintendent Monaragala Division and OIC Monaragala Excise Station had been given explicit instructions to act on those who violate this order during the Esala Festival.