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NATA slams Diana Gamage’s ‘night economy’

22 Apr 2021

  • ‘Revolting that such a proposal was made by a woman’ – NATA Chairman

  The National Authority on Tobacco and Alcohol (NATA) Chairman Dr. Samadhi Rajapaksa condemned MP Diana Gamage‘s proposal to extend the hours during which bars and liquor outlets remain open, saying “it is revolting that such a proposal was made by a woman”. Speaking to The Morning, NATA opined: “At the moment, we want to close all the bars, not to extend the opening hours.” According to Dr. Rajapaksa, it is disgraceful even to say that Sri Lanka should earn money from alcohol. MP Gamage made a proposal in the Parliament on 20 April to extend the hours during which bars in hotels and liquor shops remain open. She said that her proposal was with a view to creating a night economy in Sri Lanka. Speaking to The Morning, she said: “Bars in certain hotels usually close at 11 p.m., but I propose that they should be allowed to remain open till 1 a.m. every day, while liquor shops which are closed at 9 p.m. should be allowed to remain open till 10 p.m. every day. Such moves will help Sri Lanka embrace a night economy.” According to Gamage, a night economy is essential for a country such as Sri Lanka, which is a paradise island. “Many developed nations have become what they are today by introducing a night economy. A night economy helps a nation to earn more foreign currency,” she said. Meanwhile, Gamage also added that growing cannabis as a medicinal plant should be undertaken. “It was the British Government that banned the growing of cannabis in the 19th Century. It is high time to change those ancient laws,” she said. “Cannabis should be legalised as an export commodity so that Sri Lanka doesn’t have to depend on smuggled Kerala Ganja,” she added.


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