Buying Beer In Sri Lanka: Where To Go?

Despite its Buddhist principles and abstinence-practicing Poya days, Sri Lanka is known as one of the top 'boozing' countries in the world. While there are some restrictions on the sale of alcohol to women and uniformed police or armed forces, beer is widely available in Sri Lanka. The country produces a fantastic selection of beers, including Lion Lager, Lion Stout, and Lion Strong, as well as imported varieties such as Heineken, Carlsberg, Corona, and Singha. You can buy beer in Sri Lanka from wine stores, restaurant and hotel bars, and some supermarkets.

Beer is available in wine stores, restaurant bars, hotel bars, and some supermarkets

Beer is widely available in Sri Lanka, and you can buy it from various outlets, including wine stores, restaurant bars, and hotel bars. Some supermarkets also sell beer, but it is worth noting that the availability of beer in supermarkets is limited.

Wine stores are a common place to purchase alcohol in Sri Lanka and typically operate from 9.00 am to 9.00 pm. Restaurant bars, meanwhile, usually open from 11.00 am to 11.00 pm. These establishments provide convenient options for those looking to buy beer.

Hotel bars are another source for purchasing beer, and they can be found in various accommodation types. Smaller hotels may not have a wide selection of alcoholic beverages, so it is recommended to check in advance or purchase wine or beer at the airport duty-free shops or bring it from home if you have specific preferences.

It is important to be mindful of cultural and religious sensitivities when purchasing and consuming alcohol in Sri Lanka. While drinking is common, it is prohibited on Poya days, which are full moon days of religious significance to Buddhists. Additionally, it is illegal to consume alcohol in public places such as streets, parks, and buses.

Sri Lanka has a vibrant beer market, with a mix of local and imported brands. The country's beer market was estimated at around 51 million litres per annum in 2011, and local production meets about 90% of the demand. The most popular beer in Sri Lanka is Lion Beer, produced by the Lion Brewery, a subsidiary of the Carlsberg Group. Other well-known local beers include Tiger Beer, while imported beers such as Heineken, Carlsberg, Corona, and Singha are also available.

The legal drinking age in Sri Lanka is 18

While the law was not always strictly enforced, it prohibited women from purchasing alcohol or working in establishments that sold alcohol without prior approval from the state's excise commissioner. Traditional Sri Lankan culture considers it improper for women to consume alcohol, and some worry that lifting the ban may lead to increased alcoholism among Sri Lankan women.

Sri Lanka is known as one of the top 'boozing' countries in the world, despite spending centuries living under Buddhist principles and not drinking alcohol. The country produces a fantastic selection of beers, and beer is a popular drink in Sri Lanka. However, it is often seen as expensive due to the high excise tax.

The first brewery in Sri Lanka was the Lion Brewery, owned by the Carlsberg Group. It has since become one of the country's leading producers of beer, with a market share of 86%. Some of the best-selling local beers in Sri Lanka include Lion Beer, Tiger Beer, and Lion Stout. Imported beers are also available, including Heineken, Carlsberg, Corona, and Singha.

Women are banned from buying alcohol in Sri Lanka

The ban on women buying alcohol in Sri Lanka is not a recent development. It was imposed in 1979 to appease the conservative Buddhist hierarchy. While the law was not always strictly enforced, and women could purchase and consume alcohol without any problem, the ban was reimposed in 2018, just days after the finance minister, Mangala Samaraweera, had lifted the restriction. President Sirisena ordered the minister to revoke his decision, stating that the minister's order would be rescinded and the status quo restored without providing any explanation.

The decision to maintain the ban on women buying alcohol in Sri Lanka has been criticised by those who view it as an archaic and sexist law that is contrary to gender equality. Critics have accused President Sirisena of not taking gender equality seriously and using the law as a tool of control. However, the president's stance aligns with the views of many women in Sri Lanka, who see alcohol consumption as contrary to the nation's culture and traditions.

While the ban on women buying alcohol remains in place, it is important to note that alcohol is readily available in Sri Lanka, and the country is known as one of the top 'boozing' nations in the world. Beer, in particular, is a popular drink, with local brands such as Lion Lager and Lion Stout, as well as imported varieties like Heineken, Carlsberg, and Corona. Alcohol can be purchased from wine stores, restaurant and hotel bars, and some supermarkets, although there are restrictions on selling alcohol on religious days known as 'Poya days' in Sri Lanka.

Beer is also available online

Ceylon Spirits, for instance, offers an excellent selection of beer bottles and cans online, available for delivery. This includes local favourites like Lion Beer and Tiger Beer, as well as imported beers such as Heineken, Carlsberg, Corona, and Singha. The website also provides interesting facts about beer and its history in Sri Lanka.

Beers of Europe is another website that offers a wide range of Sri Lankan beers, with free delivery for orders over £100.

Online shopping for beer can be a convenient way to stock up for a party or get together, especially if you want to avoid the hassle of going to a store and carrying heavy bottles or cans. It can also be a good option if you want to compare prices and read reviews before purchasing.

However, it's important to keep in mind that there are restrictions on alcohol consumption and sales in Sri Lanka. For example, there is a ban on the sale of alcohol to women, and alcohol cannot be sold on Poya days, which are full moon days that hold religious significance for Buddhists. Additionally, drinking in public places like streets, parks, and buses is prohibited.

The most popular beer in Sri Lanka is Lion Beer

Where to Buy Beer in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka has a diverse beer scene, with a range of options to suit every beer lover's palate. The most popular beer style in the country is lager, and the most well-known lager is Lion Lager, which has been a favourite among locals for decades.

Lion Beer is produced by the Lion Brewery, which is the largest and oldest brewery in Sri Lanka. It produces over 90% of the country's beers and has been around since 1881, initially to meet the needs of colonial tea planters. The brewery's portfolio includes lagers, strong beers, and stouts, notably Lion, Lion Strong, and Lion Stout, with the latter gaining international recognition.

Lion Beer is widely available across Sri Lanka, and you can find it in supermarkets, liquor stores, hotels, and bars. It is also exported to various countries, including the US, Europe, Japan, Australia, and the Maldives.

In addition to Lion Beer, there are other popular beer options in Sri Lanka, including Carlsberg, Heineken, and local brands such as Three Coins Beer and Royal Pilsner. These beers can also be found in various retail outlets and drinking establishments across the country.

Buying Beer in Sri Lanka

When buying beer in Sri Lanka, it is important to note that alcohol is often seen as expensive due to the high excise tax. The Sri Lankan government has also banned alcohol companies from advertising their products to the public.

Beer is widely available in Sri Lanka, and you can find it in supermarkets, liquor stores, and convenience stores. You can also purchase beer directly from breweries, such as the Lion Brewery, which offers tours and tasting flights. Online platforms, such as Ceylon Spirits, also offer a range of beer options for delivery.

When visiting Sri Lanka, it is important to be mindful of religious observances, such as full moon days or 'Poya days', where abstinence is practised, and places selling liquor and meat are usually closed.

Exploring the Beer Culture in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka's beer market is growing, with an increase in both production and consumption. In 2011, the market was estimated at 51 million litres per annum, and by 2017, it had grown by 24-25%. The market is primarily occupied by two main brewers, Lion Brewery and Heineken Lanka, with Lion Brewery holding a dominant market share of 86%.

In addition to the traditional lagers and stouts, the craft beer scene in Sri Lanka is gaining traction, with craft breweries offering innovative and flavourful beers. These breweries, such as Taphouse by Rasa Bojun and Mainland Brewery, provide unique experiences for beer enthusiasts, showcasing their brewing techniques and unique ingredients.

Beer festivals and events are also great opportunities to discover new beers and connect with fellow enthusiasts, offering a mix of local and international brews. Sri Lanka's vibrant beer culture, combined with its stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage, makes it a fascinating destination for beer lovers to explore.

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