Seven restaurants in Ella raied for selling liqour on poya day

Officers from the Colombo Excise Special Operations Unit arrested suspects after raiding 7 restaurants in Ella that sold alcohol without a Poya Day licence.
Officers from the Sri Jayawardenepura Excise Station assisted in organising these Poya Day raids across the area.
Authorities seized 405 bottles of foreign liquor and released suspects on bail pending court appearance.
Investigators noted that local authorised officials demonstrated insufficient intervention.
This situation challenges the legal liquor trade against the illegal trade and causing tax revenue losses to the government, according to investigative officers.
Individuals eligible for liquor licences show reluctance to obtain them based on these factors, officials revealed.
Suspects will be produced before the Bandarawela Magistrate Court.