The Hon. Kaveenthiran Kodeeswaran

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, thank you for the opportunity to join the adjournment debate on the Clean Sri Lanka initiative. We stand ready to extend full cooperation to all actions undertaken under Clean Sri Lanka to improve our country.

¶ 02 Today, over 500 residents protested before the Kalmunai North Divisional Secretariat, demanding the removal of a liquor shop to be set up in Periya Neelavanai under the Clean Sri Lanka framework. If opened there, schoolchildren and daily wage earners will be badly affected. Three months ago, a liquor shop was opened at that location and closed due to public opposition. Now, arrangements are underway by 660816 Beverages Company Limited to reopen it, which is why the people protested today. The Government must support the people’s demand.

¶ 03 This Government came to power saying, “We will cancel newly issued liquor licenses and eliminate liquor shops.” Yet, only after the Parliamentary Election and assumption of power have steps been taken to reopen that very outlet. We are duty-bound to stop it, as it will inflict economic harm on the people, especially daily wage earners, and affect students. In the South, too, license holders are preparing to open shops in our area. Please take due account and remove that liquor shop from Periya Neelavanai, taking all necessary legal steps.