The Alcohol and Drug Information Centre (ADIC) said today experts and all who love the nation were astounded by the government’s decision to re-open bars along with relaxation of curfew and urged the President to take urgent action against this scheme.
It said in a statement that it was unacceptable for the government who was acting on a scientific basis to address COVID-19 to now abandon all scientific evidence and re-open bars.
Sri Lanka has been able to control the COVID-19 pandemic effectively due to the timely and accurate decisions taken to curb the pandemic.
The success has been achieved so far in controlling the pandemic due leadership action upon the recommendations of public health experts.
Experts and all who love our nation are astonished by the recent decision of the caretaker government to re-open bars along with relaxation of curfew.
In the recommendations by public health specialists in “Exit strategy of COVID-19 epidemic in Sri Lanka Recommendations of the College of Community Physicians” it is clearly stated that bars and alcohol outlets should not be opened.
Even without specialist knowledge, any individual can understand that opening bars is not an appropriate decision during this pandemic ADIC said.
Hundreds of people were seen in long ques to buy liquor bottles near liquors and wine stores country wide soon after the lifting of curfew today.
Liquor stores and retailers with a valid excise license have been permitted to operate in their respective areas during the hours stipulated in the liquor permit, Deputy Excise Commissioner Kapila Kumarasinghe issuing a statement said.
He emphasizes that the illegal production of substandard liquor throughout the island during the curfew is likely to be even worse than the Coronavirus disaster.
The Official said the illegal production, sale and transportation of liquor has seen a marked increase during curfew and the Department was able to arrest over 500 people for illegally producing liquor during the curfew.
(LI)