News

Liquor shops to shut for May Day

Published

3 days ago

April 30, 2025

editor

The Excise Department issued a special notice today (April 30) announcing the temporary closure of all retail liquor outlets located in Divisional Secretariat Divisions where May Day rallies are to to take place.

According to the announcement, these outlets must remain closed from the end of business on April 30 until their scheduled reopening on May 02.

However, this restriction does not apply to hotel bars operating under licenses affiliated with the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Authority (R.B. 07/08 and boutique villas serving residential guests only).
The Excise Department also urges the public to report any violations or related crimes involving alcohol, drugs, or tobacco via the 1913 hotline, by fax at 011 2 877 688, or by email at [email protected] to support successful enforcement efforts.

News

Liquor stores closed on election day

Published

6 hours ago

May 3, 2025

editor

Liquor stores islandwide will be closed on Tuesday, May 06 in view of the Local Government elections.

Excise Chief U.L. Udaya Kumara announced that retail liquor outlets will remain closed during the period between Monday, May 05 closing time to opening time on Wednesday, May 07.

However, this ruling is exempted for in-house guests of all Tourist Board approved hotels and boutique villas.

News

Police to look into threats faced by 2 journos

Published

6 hours ago

May 3, 2025

editor

Police are investigating alleged underworld threats faced by two well known journalists, reports say.

Complaints have been made that senior journalist Chamuditha Samarawickrama, who hosts Hiru Channel programs and runs the YouTube channel ‘Talk with Chamuditha’ is facing threats from the notorious “Dehi Bale’s” group while M. Chamika, who of the “Neth FM Balumgala” programme is facing threats from underworld kingpin – Kanjipani Imran.

Following complaints made to the Ministries of Defence and Public Security, an investigation has been initiated on the instructions of the Acting IGP – SDIG Priyantha Weerasuriya.

News

Campaigning for LG polls ends tonight

Published

6 hours ago

May 3, 2025

editor

Campaigning for the local government elections will conclude at midnight tonight (May 03), as per Election Commission’s directives that all campaigning must end 48 hours before the polls.

The elections are scheduled to be held on May 06.