Kandy goes dry as no booze for Perahera

By Kurulu Koojana Kariyakarawana   

Sale of all alcoholic beverages will be banned until Tuesday, August 20th in Kandy in respect of the Esala Pageant by order of the Excise Chief. The event has been underway from Saturday, August 10th.   
Therefore, all wine stores, bars, taverns and restaurants selling liquor in Kadawath Sathara and Gangawata Korale Divisional Secretariat (Four Gravets) and Kundasale Divisional Secretariat will be banned during the stipulated period.   Excise Commissioner General M. J. Gunasiri has warned of tough action against those who violate this order and sell booze during the Kandy Esala Maha Perahera.   
Also, additional forces of Excise personnel had been deployed in the said areas of the Kandy District during the Dalada Procession.