Sri Lanka, April 24 -- All liquor shops islandwide will be closed for three days in May in view of International Workers' Day and the Vesak festival, the Department of Excise said.

Accordingly, liquor outlets will remain closed on May 1 to mark International Workers' Day (May Day).

The department further stated that all liquor stores will also be shut on May 30, which falls on Vesak Full Moon Poya Day, and on May 31, the day following Vesak.

The government, meanwhile, said that Vesak Full Moon Poya Day will be observed on May 30 following a request by the Chief Prelates, while May 31 has been declared a public holiday.

In addition, the State Vesak Week has been declared from May 27 to June 2.

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