Former opposition MP Mano Ganesan has questioned the new government’s delay in exposing those who had received liquor licences for political benefits and the politicians behind it. 

Taking to ‘X’, the former MP said a permit or licence to establish a wine store to sell liquor is not an illegal business, but in the recent past, such licences were issued by the Excise Department ignoring the legal criteria and in large numbers. 

“It was correctly termed as “unethical corrupt practice” and as “political bribes”. This was a hot subject during the run-up to the September 21st elections. 

“Opposition candidates including president Anura Kumara Dissanayake and opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa had promised to suspend all the recently issued “licences” and publish the names of licence holders and respective politicians who recommended such,” he said. 

Mano Ganesan further questioned the President and Prime Minister on what was holding the National People’s Power (NPP) government from releasing the name lists and suspending the operations of these unethical Wine Stores/Bars. 

Leading up to the Presidential Election, concerns were raised about the emergence of liquor stores in various areas of Sri Lanka, with many claiming that permits were being provided for political benefits. 

Former Opposition leader Sajith Premadasa had claimed that the former government granted such liquor permits to several Parliamentarians, which was later passed on to their close associates. 

Political figures such as All Ceylon Makkal Congress (ACMC) Leader Rishad Bathiudeen and Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) politburo member Geethanath Cassilingham had also raised concerns over the sudden emergence of liquor bars in Jaffna, Kilinochchi, and Mannar. (Newswire)

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All Ceylon Makkal Congress (ACMC) Leader Rishad Bathiudeen has raised concerns over the establishment of a liquor bar in Mannar, taking the matter to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

In a letter to the President, the ACMC Leader points out that the permit for the liquor bar had been provided for political advantage and that it was granted by the former government.

He further highlights that the said liquor bar has been established on the main road in Mannar close to schools, garment factories, and residential areas.

Stating that area residents had staged a protest against the liquor bar as recently as last month, the former MP pointed out that despite protest no action has been taken by the authorities. 

“I kindly request you to intervene in this matter and take the necessary steps to cancel the permit for this liquor bar. The well-being of the residents, particularly the young students and workers in the area, must be prioritised, and we trust in your commitment to ensure that justice and fairness prevail,” Bathiudeen said in his letter to the President. (Newswire)

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