Illicit liquor on the rise: Excise CGPlans to allow liquor sales during lockdownBy Dinitha RathnayakeThe continued prohibition on liquor sales due to the existing travel restrictions in the country is resulting in a Rs. 600 million daily tax loss for the Excise Department, The Morning learnt. “We have observed that the production and the demand for illicit liquor and drugs have increased. The Excise Department has received many concerns from members of the public on purchasing liquor during the past month. We are considering this due to the high demand for illicit liquor and drugs.”However, according to Gunasiri, the Excise Department is still conducting discussions about this request.

Source: The Nation June 14, 2021 18:56 UTC