Although the minister ordered them to be closed from yesterday (21) onwards, the Sathosa alcohol outlet managers have kept them open as the Sathosa director, operations  - V. Wijethilleke had not passed down the order in writing.

It is revealed that Ms. Wijethilleke is a close aide of former Trade minister - Johnston Fernando.

These alcohol outlets of 'Sathosa' are found in 14 locations including Colombo Fort, Cinnamon Gardens, Piliyandala, Anuradhapura, Kekirawa, Rathnapura, Embilipitiya, Buttala, Pinnaduwa - Galle, Marawila, Chilaw and Gampola.