The Excise Department has warned that strict legal action will be taken against any licensed liquor outlets that fail to comply with closure orders during the Poson Festival.

Issuing a statement, the Excise Department said that all taverns islandwide must remain closed on June 29, 2026, Poson Full Moon Poya Day. 

The closure, from last evening (28), continues until the scheduled reopening time on June 30.

In addition, as part of the State Poson Festival, all licensed liquor outlets in Mihintale, Medawachchiya, Nuwaragam Palatha Central, Nuwaragam Palatha East, and Mahavilachchiya must remain closed throughout Poson Week, from June 25 to July 3.

The public has been urged to report violations via the 24‑hour hotline 1913, with the Excise Department emphasizing that officers islandwide have been instructed to enforce the directive firmly. (Newswire)

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The Excise Department has announced that all licensed liquor outlets across Sri Lanka will remain closed during the Vesak Full Moon Festival on Saturday, May 30, and Sunday, May 31.

Excise Commissioner General M.B.N.A. Pemarathna said the closure will begin from this evening, May 29, and continue until reopening on Monday, June 1.

The directive applies islandwide in observance of Vesak, marking Buddhist Year 2570.

The department urged the public to report any violations of license conditions during the closure period via the short code 1913 or by email at oicoptroom@excise.gov.lk.

Pemarathna added that strict legal action will be taken against outlets that remain open or breach licensing rules. (Newswire)

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The Department of Excise has announced that all liquor shops will be closed for three days in May in view of the Vesak festival and International Workers’ Day.

According to the department, liquor stores will be closed on May 01, which marks International Workers’ Day (May Day).

All liquor stores will also be closed on May 30 (Vesak Poya) and May 31 (the day following Vesak Poya).

The government announced that, at the request of the Chief Prelates, it has been decided to observe Vesak Full Moon Poya Day on May 30, while May 31, the day following Vesak Poya Day, will be a public holiday.

The government further declared the State Vesak Week from May 27 to June 2. (Newswire)

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All liquor outlets across Sri Lanka will remain closed on April 13 and 14, coinciding with the Sinhala and Tamil New Year celebrations, Excise Commissioner General M.B.N.A. Pemarathna announced.

With government approval, licensed establishments, including liquor shops, taverns, hotels, restaurants, and karaoke bars, will suspend alcohol sales during these two days.

Pemarathna further said that strict legal action will be taken against any license holders found violating excise laws by selling alcohol during the holiday period. 

He further urged the public to report any illegal liquor trafficking to the hotline number 1913.

Special excise operation units in Galle, Anuradhapura, Kandy, Kurunegala, and island‑wide will be on heightened alert to apprehend offenders engaged in unlawful alcohol distribution during the festive season, he added. (Newswire)

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A winestore in Ja- Ela has been sealed by the Excise Department for selling alcohol on Wednesday (05), which was a Poya public holiday.

According to the Department, the winestore was detected during a raid conducted by the Ja-Ela Excise Department officials. 

The Excise Department is conducting further investigations into the incident, after which it will initiate legal action. (Newswire)

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Former opposition MP Mano Ganesan has questioned the new government’s delay in exposing those who had received liquor licences for political benefits and the politicians behind it. 

Taking to ‘X’, the former MP said a permit or licence to establish a wine store to sell liquor is not an illegal business, but in the recent past, such licences were issued by the Excise Department ignoring the legal criteria and in large numbers. 

“It was correctly termed as “unethical corrupt practice” and as “political bribes”. This was a hot subject during the run-up to the September 21st elections. 

“Opposition candidates including president Anura Kumara Dissanayake and opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa had promised to suspend all the recently issued “licences” and publish the names of licence holders and respective politicians who recommended such,” he said. 

Mano Ganesan further questioned the President and Prime Minister on what was holding the National People’s Power (NPP) government from releasing the name lists and suspending the operations of these unethical Wine Stores/Bars. 

Leading up to the Presidential Election, concerns were raised about the emergence of liquor stores in various areas of Sri Lanka, with many claiming that permits were being provided for political benefits. 

Former Opposition leader Sajith Premadasa had claimed that the former government granted such liquor permits to several Parliamentarians, which was later passed on to their close associates. 

Political figures such as All Ceylon Makkal Congress (ACMC) Leader Rishad Bathiudeen and Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) politburo member Geethanath Cassilingham had also raised concerns over the sudden emergence of liquor bars in Jaffna, Kilinochchi, and Mannar. (Newswire)

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The Commissioner General of Excise has announced that all places with licenses to sell alcohol throughout the island remain closed tomorrow.

The instructions have been given in view of World Alcohol-Free Day, commemorated on October 03. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) politburo member Geethanath Cassilingham has raised concerns over the emergence of multiple liquor shops in the Jaffna and Kilinochchi Districts in the recent past.

In a letter addressed to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, the SLPP member said there has been a significant increase in liquor shops from Paranthan Junction to Iranaimadu Junction in the Northern Province. 

“The majority of the population consists of daily wage earners, and the proliferation of liquor shops is detrimental to their livelihoods,” he pointed out.

Stating that permits for the establishments had been granted by the former regime to gain the support of certain politicians in the area, he urged the new President to intervene, review, and potentially close down unnecessary liquor establishments. (Newswire)

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The Department of Excise has announced the closure of liquor stores in view of the Vesak Festival celebrated this week. 

Accordingly, liquor stores Islandwide will be closed on 23 and 24 May 2024, and reopen on May 25, 2024.

However, liquor stores in the Matale District will be closed for a period of four days, from May 21 to May 25. 

The Excise Department said that this was in view of the National Vesak Festival which will be held in the Matale District this year. (Newswire)

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