Former Minister and Mawbima Janatha Party leader, Hemakumara Nanayakkara today said that although religious observances are conducted at Temple Trees on Poya Days while the ‘Mathata Thitha’ policy is ongoing, a certain Cabinet Minister is controlling 4 liquor distilleries giving ‘Thithata Matha’.

Nanayakkara said he had come to know through sources that the government is preparing to introduce a new Gazette which will allow the import of ethanol without restrictions.

This will give way to the importing of ethanol without control to manufacture ‘Kasippu’ (illicit liquor) and distribute across the country, the former presidential advisor told reporters today.

He also accused the JVP of selling a private radio station belonging to them to a Cabinet Minister from Kurunegala.

Nanayakkara made these comments addressing a joint opposition press briefing today attended by UNP MP Joseph Michael Perera, Nawa Sama Samaja Party (NSSP) Leader Dr. Vickramabahu Karunaratne, former Deputy Mayor of Colombo Asad Salley and several other political leaders.