The Sri Lanka Freedom Party says it is unfortunate that the government decided to grant permission to re-open liquor outlets on the birth anniversary of the late Anagārika Dharmapāla, who was the founder of the Temperance Movement in Sri Lanka.
Speaking to media in Kandy, Senior Vice President of the SLFP Prof. Rohana Luxman Piyadasa said the late Anagārika Dharmapāla in 1912 rose against the decision to facilitate the opening of taverns through an Act.
He said it is unfortunate that liquor outlets were allowed to open on such a momentous day.
Prof. Piyadasa said although claims were made that an official notice was not issued, the government cannot escape from scrutiny.
He said owners cannot open taverns and bars as they please when the country is under quarantine curfew.
The Senior Vice President said incidents of such nature are proof of lawlessness and how morals are disregarded under the watch of the present administration.
