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The Cabinet of Ministers in Sri Lanka recently decided to ban liquor, casinos, and nightclubs throughout the country during the Vesak Poya holiday.Top Crypto Casino in Saudi Arabia – BitStarz Ranked #1

The ban was already in place during the Vesak Festival’s regular two days, but the Cabinet opted to prolong it to three days. 

Industry stakeholders criticized the decision, saying it will seriously impact the country’s tourism sector and result in a loss of up to Rs. 3 billion to the state coffers.

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The Cabinet’s decision follows a special circular issued by the Home Affairs Division of the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils, and Local Government on 5 May. The Division instructed the Ministry of Finance to take steps to ban the sale of liquor and access to casinos, betting centers, and nightclubs on 12, 13, and 14 May.

The ban now exceeds the duration of the Vesak Festival 2025. Banning access to the mentioned institutions on Vesak Full Moon Poya Day and the Day Following the Vesak Full Moon Poya Day has been a regular practice in Sri Lanka for many years. 

Entities such as casinos, meat stalls, and nightclubs depend on foreign tourists and tend to see increased traffic after the holiday.

A three-day ban is expected to seriously disrupt their operations. Furthermore, the government failed to provide a reason for the extended ban. 

Restaurateurs and hoteliers also expressed concern regarding the impact of the three-day ban on the country’s tourism, expecting to see a loss of foreign currency as a result. With the prolonged shuttering of entertainment venues, stakeholders believe tourists will be less inclined to visit and spend money in the country. 

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Sources from the Department of Excise noted that the state coffers would lose Rs. 800 million to Rs. 1 billion per day.

An official from the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority said that the Excise Department was made aware of the industry’s concerns. However, the Excise Department said that the Cabinet had already decided without consulting it.

In previous years, foreign tourists were allowed to purchase alcohol within hotel premises during holidays, which helped the country’s economy maintain balance during the holiday. This year’s sudden policy shift will leave hotel operators unable to address their guests’ desires, leading to calls for a more coordinated and pragmatic approach.

So far, the authorities have not reversed their decision or amended it to make an exception for foreigners.

Last month, the Sri Lanka Cabinet approved the publication of the Gaming Sports Regularization Act in the Government Gazette. 

This saw the creation of a Gambling Regulatory Authority, which is responsible for overseeing both online gambling and floating, offshore, and land-based casinos.