Member of Parliament Dallas Alahapperuma says that 44 liquor stores have been opened in Matara district alone in the last 4 months. He further said that there were 96 liquor stores in Matara district in the last 50 years and this situation has arisen due to the recent issuance of licenses for new liquor stores.
He mentioned that today there are 144 liquor stores in Via Matara district and according to that there is one liquor store for every 1900 men over 18 years of age. He further said that alcohol causes many crimes in this country. He said this while addressing a drug prevention workshop.