11 December, 2016
Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake told Parliament yesterday, that all political parties in parliament should reach a consensus to limit the issuance of liquor shop permits.
The Minister was responding to a question raised by JVP MP Bimal Ratnayake who demanded to know from the Government, what action it would take to control the proliferation of liquor outlets. “The Government’s policy is to bring down the number of liquor shops.
“In addition, action would also be taken to renew all liquor licences every three years in place of giving lifelong liquor stall permits.
“However, the tax revenue earned from issuing liquor permits has increased,” the Minister said. - UK