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Liquor at hotels on Christmas despite Cardinal’s criticism

13 Dec 2021

BY Buddhika Samaraweera While no liquor store will be allowed to remain open on Christmas Day on 25 December, liquor will be available for guests occupying rooms of hotels approved by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA), within the premises of these hotels. Archbishop of Colombo His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith last Sunday (12) strongly criticised the Ministry of Tourism for reportedly seeking permission from the Government to sell liquor at hotels on Christmas Day. When inquired about the plans pertaining to liquor sales on Christmas Day, Deputy Excise Commissioner (Law Enforcement) Kapila Kumarasinghe told The Morning yesterday (13) that all liquor stores islandwide will be closed on Christmas Day. However, he said that hotels approved by the SLTDA have been given permission to serve liquor to those staying in rooms. “The no-sale days are published at the beginning of each year. Therefore, this year also, Christmas Day was published as a no-sale day. However, those who are staying in SLTDA-registered hotels can enjoy the facilities of liquor bars operating in those hotels. All other liquor shops across the country are to be closed on the day,” explained Kumarasinghe. Speaking to the media in Gampaha last Sunday, the Cardinal said that Christmas will be scorned by planning to sell liquor on Christmas Day. “The Tourism Ministry has asked permission to sell liquor on Christmas Day at Ministry-approved hotels and restaurants. Isn’t that great? To celebrate Christmas, people can drink themselves to death. What is this? Is this the miracle of Asia? Is this the vistas of prosperity and splendour? Tourism Minister Prasanna Ranatunga should realise this. This devalues Christmas. If the sale of liquor is banned on Vesak Day, it should also be banned on Christmas Day. Religions are not about partying or drinking and wasting your life away,” the Archbishop opined.


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