No action against Kama Colombo

Kama Colombo reportedly managed by an individual named Shenal Fonseka did not possess a valid liquor licence at the time, and was functioning illegally, the Excise Department said.

After the licence was suspended in June, the club had reportedly informed guests that the ‘club was closed for maintenance' the Daily Mirror learns.

However, despite the club not being in possession of a valid liquor licence, it was opened for business with alcohol being served on Friday July 5, and Saturday July 6 until the wee hours of the morning despite its security personnel being alleged with mercilessly assaulting a youth within and outside its premises, sources said.

“They were functioning completely illegally. The liquor licence of the Kama Restaurant, at No. 32B, Sir Mohomed Macan Markar Mawatha, Colombo 3, was suspended in June. Thereafter they had no authority to function as a club” Excise Superintendent Prabath Jayawickrema told Daily Mirror earlier.

The Daily Mirror learns that the managers of the club had requested for an ‘auxillory' liquor licence upon suspension, in order to function for the said days which were rejected by the Excise Department.

The Kollupitiya Police Station was located 400 metres away from the club and there was no clear indication as to why there was no attempt to prevent the club from functioning on the said night.

“We don't issue or extend liquor licences without the recommendation of the local police station, and upon suspension they are informed of it” Jayawickrema said.

Jayawickrama further stated that as a result of the suspension a new liquor licence would not be issued to Kama- restaurant.

“It amounts to a cancellation and there is a government policy not to issue new liquor licences, therefore we won't be issuing any” he said.

It is unclear what action is to be taken against the managers of the club for functioning illegally.