A Fundamental Rights petition was filed before the Supreme Court yesterday, challenging the legality of the issuance of various liquor licences intended to support the election campaign of former President Ranil Wickremesinghe during the Presidential Election 2024.

The petitioners Chamara Sampath Abeysekara and Narayanan Ravichandran who carrying on a business of selling liquor at a wine store in Kundasale and an individual who has sought an application form for a Liquor License in Kandy respectively filed this petition challenging the authorities decision to issue these liquor licenses intended to support the election campaign of former President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

The petitioners are seeking an Interim Order staying the operation of all liquor licences issued between the declaration of the Presidential Election and the date of the Presidential Election, from July 27, 2024 to September 21, 2024.

The petitioners stated that former Commissioner General of the Excise M.J.Gunasiri and two other officers had issued these liquor licences with the intention to support Ranil Wickremesinghe during the Presidential Election, either directly or indirectly.

The Petitioners stated that despite the prevailing circumstances, the respondents including the Excise Commissioner General had issued liquor licences in large quantities even after the announcement of the Presidential Election 2024. They stated that a substantial number of liquor licenses have been issued to the political and business associates.

This petition had been filed through attorney Manjula Balasooriya.

(dailynews.lk)

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