All Liquor Outlets to Close for Sinhala, Tamil New Year

COLOMBO (News 1st); All liquor outlets across Sri Lanka will be closed island‑wide on April 13 and 14 in view of the Sinhala and Hindu New Year, the Excise Department has announced.

Deputy Excise Commissioner Roshan Perera said the closure will apply nationwide during the two‑day festive period, in line with long‑standing regulations observed during the traditional New Year holidays.

However, he clarified that alcohol will be permitted only for resident foreign nationals staying at establishments approved by the Sri Lanka Tourism authority. These include three‑star or higher rated hotels with valid liquor licences and licensed special boutique villas. Alcohol service will be restricted exclusively to foreign guests residing at such premises during the specified dates.

The Excise Department also stated that the public can report liquor‑related and tobacco‑related offences during this period via the 1913 hotline, which will remain operational to receive complaints.