Minister Rohitha Abegunawardena says that liquor sales outlets around the country have been opened after the government gave permission to open them.
“Without permission from the government, these liquor outlets cannot be opened. Licensed liquor outlets around the country are now open after the government granted permission” the minister said.
Revealing the reason for granting permission, Minister said that there were many who had purchased spirits produced illegally in villages, which is a health risk.
The minister also went on to say that even though people complain that they don’t have money, there were large queues in front of liquor sales outlets as soon as they were allowed to open.
“People were asking the government to give cash subsidies saying they don’t have money to eat. But as soon as the bars were opened, there were really long queues in front of them” he went on to say.
The minister made these comments while talking to the media today (18) in Kalutara.
