Extend opening hours of bars, liquor sales outlets: MP Diana Gamage

• Proposes that bars be kept open till 1 a.m., taverns till 10 p.m.
• Says it will boost night time economy

MP Diana Gamage

MP Diana Gamage yesterday proposed in Parliament that the opening hours of bars and liquor sale outlets should be

extended to boost the night-time economy.

Gamage said that at present, bars close at 11 p.m. and proposed that opening hours should be extended up to 1 a.m. all days of the week while liquor sale outsets which close at 9 p.m. be kept open till 

10 p.m.

“A night-time economy is essential for a country such as Sri Lanka. Many developed nations have become what they are today by introducing a night economy. A night economy helps a nation to earn more foreign currency,” she said.

Gamage also proposed the growing of cannabis as a medicinal plant. “It was the British Government which banned the growing of cannabis in the 19th century. It is high time to change these ancient laws,” she said.