Sri Lanka, June 28 -- All liquor retail outlets across the island must remain closed from today (28) until June 30 in observance of the Poson Poya tomorrow (29), Excise Commissioner General M.J.N.A. Premaratne announced.

In conjunction with the State Poson Festival, a stricter order applies to four divisional secretariats in the Anuradhapura District: Mihintale, Nuwaragampalatha Central, Nuwaragampalatha East, and Mahawilachchiya.

Liquor establishments in these areas must remain shut from the close of business on June 25 until July 3.

Excise officials received strict instructions to conduct raids on any premises found violating these conditions.

The public may report illicit sales during this period via the 24-hour excise hotline at 1...