Before the presidential election, we made a significant revelation through the “State Secrets” column, disclosing that former President Ranil Wickremesinghe granted liquor licenses freely to opposition MPs in an effort to secure government support. Several selected opposition MPs reportedly received substantial sums from government decentralized funds. Our reports also indicated that some MPs were given two or three liquor licenses, while a Catholic MP from Gampaha, affiliated with the SJB, received a license to establish a liquor corporation. This MP is said to have transferred the license to a businessman in exchange for a large financial sum. After our revelation, high-ranking representatives of the Compass party amplified the news, stating that Anura Kumara Dissanayake, upon assuming the presidency, would revoke these liquor licenses and release a list naming those who received such licenses from the former president.
However, despite a month having passed since Anura’s inauguration, the names of these former MPs remain undisclosed. As President, Anura oversees both the Ministry of Finance and the Excise Department. Given his access, the list of MPs granted liquor licenses by the former administration should be readily available, yet the list has not surfaced. This has raised concerns about whether undisclosed agreements with former influential figures are behind the delay.
Following Anura’s rise to the presidency, Wasantha Samarasinghe made public the identity of an MP linked to bar licenses, revealing financial transactions that included specific check numbers. He named former SJB MP J.C. Alawathuwala, alleging he had sold a liquor license. While Samarasinghe released related check details to the media, he has since remained silent on the matter, and Alawathuwala, now contesting the general election from the Kurunegala district under the SJB, has not addressed the allegations.
A similar issue surrounds the list of MPs who benefited from decentralized funds. While all MPs are entitled to these funds, former President Wickremesinghe allegedly allocated them selectively to MPs within the SJB, Tamil Alliance, and Muslim parties. Although the Ministry of Finance and related offices fall under the current President’s purview, this list, too, remains undisclosed.
Former Tamil Alliance MP M.A. Sumanthiran previously challenged the government in two media briefings, urging them to reveal the names of MPs in the North who allegedly received multiple liquor licenses from Ranil. He specifically referenced allegations that Sridharan, a Tamil MP from the North, obtained three licenses. After Anura’s presidency began, Sridharan held discussions with him, although no media photos were released. This has led to speculation about possible political negotiations during the meeting.
Moreover, another Tamil leader, Douglas Devananda, recently visited Colombo to meet the President. Known for his close alliance with Mahinda Rajapaksa, Douglas later supported Wickremesinghe following Gotabaya’s departure. Reports suggest that during the meeting, Douglas highlighted his strong ties with India, positioning himself as a potential link between India and the current government. He mentioned the importance of ongoing projects with India and the uncertainty surrounding them. Afterward, Douglas reportedly informed political leaders in the North that he secured the President’s agreement to maintain continuity in Indian-backed projects. Additionally, he stated that his party, EPDP, would aim for 10 seats in the North and pledged support from these MPs to the President post-election.
Douglas’ ongoing political maneuvering and the quiet around lists promised for public disclosure continue to prompt widespread public interest and scrutiny.
