Ex-President denies allegations of misuse in liquor license issuance
Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s office denied claims of issuing liquor licenses as political bribes, stating all licenses adhered to Excise Department regulations.
The statement clarified that over Rs. 3.1 billion in revenue was generated through liquor licenses issued during his tenure and emphasized that the process was verified by the Election Commission in August 2024. It added that the current Cabinet holds authority to renew or revoke these licenses.
The response follows allegations made in Parliament by Minister Bimal Rathnayake, who claimed 361 licenses, including 172 wine store permits, were issued as political bribes to sway MPs.
A Fundamental Rights petition has also been filed in the Supreme Court, alleging the licenses were granted arbitrarily to influence the 2024 Presidential Election.