State Finance Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya addressed recent opposition concerns about liquor sales and licensing, presenting a petition signed by 400 Digana residents who thanked the Divisional Secretariat for permitting a second liquor outlet in the town. The petitioners argued, breaks the long-standing monopoly of a single vendor who charged above-market prices, forcing residents to travel to nearby areas for competitive pricing.

Minister Siyambalapitiya said the government's balanced approach to liquor permits, noting that only 404 out of 1424 applications were approved from July 2022 to May 2024. He said that the new permit fosters local competition and business opportunities, despite the government's stance against promoting alcohol consumption. He cited a 19% reduction in alcohol consumption in 2023 and a 13% increase in liquor license fees as evidence of the government's restrictive policies.