In an interesting turn of events, President Maithripala Sirisena criticised the tax concession on beer saying it was not in line with the policy of the government.

Speaking in Parliament yesterday, Sirisena said the government would not approve price reduction of any drink containing alcohol. 

Interestingly, the President also didn't say whether his government will withdraw the proposal to rationalize taxation on Alcohol which has resulted in a reduction of prices of beer.

Instead, he hailed the budget as a development-oriented one saying it would benefit the poor and less privileged sections of the society.

The President's statement created confusion in the House yesterday as no one clear as to what the government's policy would be with regard to the controversial budget proposal. 

On a previous occasion, Finance and Media Minister Mangala Samaraweera said the government would not go back on the proposal to rationalize taxation on Alcohol.