claim: Future government led by the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) would close down all liquor shops-Sajith
evidence: A recent report by the English daily newspaper Daily Mirror has stirred up discussions regarding the stance of Sajith Premadasa, Leader of the Opposition in Sri Lanka, on the operation of liquor shops and taverns. The report suggests that a future government led by the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) would close down all liquor shops and taverns, with exceptions made only for those contributing to tourism. [...] While the initial newspaper report suggested a blanket closure of all liquor shops and taverns under a potential SJB government, this clearly misrepresented facts. Premadasa's statements and actions indicate a more targeted approach, focusing on canceling licenses issued without due process and those posing risks to sensitive areas. [...] While it's clear that Sajith Premadasa and the SJB are advocating for stricter regulations on liquor licenses and a crackdown on irresponsible practices in the alcohol industry, the assertion that all liquor shops and taverns will be closed under their government is misleading. Sajith stresses that he would take steps to cancel liquor licenses issued as bribes if he came to power, but he never mentions a total ban on all liquor stores.