– The Excise Department has announced that strict legal action will be taken against licensed liquor outlets that fail to comply with closure orders imposed for the Poson Festival.In a statement, the Department said all licensed taverns across the island were ordered to close from the evening of June 28 and will remain shut throughout Poson Full Moon Poya Day on June 29, reopening only on June 30.The Department also said that all licensed liquor outlets in Mihintale, Medawachchiya, Nuwaragam Palatha Central, Nuwaragam Palatha East and Mahavilachchiya must remain closed for the entire State Poson Festival period from June 25 to July 3.

The Excise Department warned that any licensed premises found operating during the prescribed closure period would face strict legal action under the relevant laws.