All taverns in Kandy to be closed from 5th - 15th

Colombo (News 1st): The Excise Department today (August 02) announced that all taverns in and around Kandy will be closed from the 05th to 15th August as a result of the Esala Perahera of the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. All taverns in Kadawathsathara, Gangawata Koralaya, Peradeniya, Katugastota, Aladeniya, Amabtenna, Madawala, Menikhinna, Digana, and Talatuoya will be closed for 10 days. In addition, all establishments with retail permits and special permits within a 08-kilometre radius of the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic will be closed. The Excise Department said strict legal action will be instituted against all permit holders who violate the instructions given and those who traffic alcohol and drugs during the said period.