Srilanka, April 30 -- The Excise Department issued a special notice today (30) announcing the temporary closure of all retail liquor outlets located within Divisional Secretariat Divisions where May Day rallies are scheduled to take place.

According to the announcement, these outlets must remain closed from the end of business on April 30 until their scheduled reopening on May 2. However, this restriction does not apply to hotel bars operating under licenses affiliated with the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Authority (R.B. 07/08 and boutique villas serving residential guests only).

The department also urged the public to report any violations or related crimes involving alcohol, drugs, or tobacco via the 1913 hotline, by fax at 011 2 877...