COVID-19 task force decides not to allow purchase of liquor online
The COVID-19 task force has decided not to allow consumers to purchase liquor online through supermarket chains, Army Commander General Shavendra Silva said.
Yesterday (16), the Finance Ministry granted approval to the request directed by the Excise Department to commence liquor sales online.
However, this decision was met with objections from several parties including the Sri Lanka Medical Association (SLMA).
The Sri Lanka Medical Association (SLMA) requested the government not to provide permission for online sales of alcohol which will make matters worse for all Sri Lankans already suffering from many hardships due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The opening of liquor outlets is currently banned due to travel restrictions. The Commissioner-General of Excise stated that due to this, consumers have increasingly requested to be given the opportunity to purchase liquor online.

Latest Headlines in Sri Lanka
- Indian PM Narendra Modi to visit Sri Lanka in early April 2025 March 15, 2025
- Sri Lankan President joins special Iftar ceremony at Temple Trees March 15, 2025
- Customs Inspector arrested for smuggling Rs. 30 Million cannabis oil March 15, 2025
- Police constable arrested for taking bribe to issue clearance certificate March 15, 2025
- COPE uncovers irregular NMRA certification process March 14, 2025
Many MPs have liquor license, some even having distilleries, some support importing ethanol. They are greedy for money and this is one of their marketing strategies. Hope this idea will never see the light of the day!