The Supreme Court on Tuesday (04) directed the Commissioner General of Excise to submit comprehensive details regarding all liquor licenses issued within the past year, including the period following the announcement of the 2024 Presidential Election.
The directive was issued by a three-judge bench comprising Justices Yasantha Kodagoda, Janak de Silva, and Mahinda Samayawardena during the hearing of two Fundamental Rights petitions. The petitions challenge the legality of liquor licenses allegedly issued in support of former President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s election campaign.
The Court permitted both petitions to proceed and scheduled the next hearing for arguments on November 19.
The petitioners claim that a significant number of liquor licenses were granted in an “illegal, unfair, and arbitrary manner,” lacking transparency and due process. They further allege that these actions were politically motivated and strategically timed to benefit individuals aligned with the former President’s campaign.
According to the petitions, credible information suggests that temporary liquor licenses were issued without a fair or impartial review process ahead of the 2024 Presidential Election.
President’s Counsel Sanjeewa Jayawardena, instructed by S.W. Amila Kumara and assisted by Rukshan Senadheera, appeared on behalf of one of the petitioners. President’s Counsel Saliya Peiris, instructed by Manujaya de Silva and Manjula Balasuriya, represented several other petitioners.
