Speaker Karu Jayasuriya has instructed the Law, Order and Southern Development Ministry to look into the proposal of increasing the maximum punishment and fine on convicts of illicit liquor trade.
The current maximum punishment is one-year imprisonment and fine is set at not more than Rs. 100,000.
"It seems that the proposal is commendable," the Speaker said.
The Speaker made these observations in Parliament today, when UNP Parliamentarian Buddhika Pathirana said that the fines and punishments on illegal liquor trading should be increased, as it was not a strong enough deterrent.
MP Pathirana was responding to Law and Order and Southern Development Minister Sagala Rathnayake, who said that the illegal trade of liquor has increased in 2015 when compared to 2014.
"The Inspector General of Police and the Director General of the National Dangerous Drugs Control Board have reported that there is s tendency to return to liquor trade after release," Law and Order Minister Rathnayake said.
"The offence of illegal liquor trade of which the maximum fine is Rs. 100,000 and one year of imprisonment is not sufficient, as those who are penalized return to this illegal trade".