Liquor Shops in Kandy to Remain Closed for 11 Days During Esala Perahera 

The Excise Department has announced that liquor shops in several areas of Kandy will remain closed for 11 days from August 18 to 28, in view of the Kandy Esala Perahera.

Accordingly, all licensed liquor outlets located within the Kandy Kadawatha Satara and Gangawata Korala Divisional Secretariat Divisions will remain closed throughout the specified period.

The closure will also apply to liquor shops in the Nattharampota Grama Niladhari Division of the Kundasale Divisional Secretariat Division, up to the fuel station located along the main road.

The restrictions come into effect on August 18, coinciding with the first Kumbal Perahera, and will remain in place until August 28, when the Esala Perahera concludes.

The Kandy Esala Perahera attracts large numbers of devotees and visitors to Kandy each year and is one of Sri Lanka’s most prominent religious and cultural events.

Licensed liquor outlets within the areas covered by the directive are required to remain closed during the 11-day period in accordance with the instructions issued by the Excise Department.