Opposition alleges government plans to issue 200 wine store licenses

Published

1 year ago

March 19, 2024

editor

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa raised concerns in Parliament today, alleging that the government is planning to issue licenses for 200 wine stores, with 15 already granted under the FL4 category.

He further claimed that six liquor manufacturing licenses have been issued targeting elections.

Premadasa called for transparency, urging the government to disclose whether such a decision has been made and emphasized the need to adhere to the legal framework.

He criticized the move, particularly under the new Commissioner General of the Excise Department M.J. Gunasiri.

State Minister of Finance Shehan Semasinghe responded, stating that the government has not acted outside the existing legal framework.

He assured that a comprehensive response would be provided if the question was raised formally.

Premadasa reiterated the Opposition’s stance, promising action to revoke any illegal licenses in the future, emphasizing the need for accountability.

He strongly condemned the issuance of liquor licenses targeting elections.

‘Sisu Sariya’ driver arrested for drunk driving

Published

45 minutes ago

May 20, 2025

editor

A school bus driver was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol during an inspection of a ‘Sisu Sariya’ bus conducted by the Katupotha Police Traffic Division yesterday (May 19) in Katupotha.

The suspect has been identified as a 52-year-old resident of Radaliyagoda, Katupotha.

At the time of the arrest, 16 school children and 02 mothers were traveling in the bus.

The relevant bus has also been taken into police custody, and the suspect is scheduled to be produced before the Narammala Magistrate’s Court today (May 20).

Police are continuing island-wide operations to apprehend drunk drivers and curb traffic violations in an effort to enhance road safety.

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President meets independent groups elected to CMC

Published

48 minutes ago

May 20, 2025

editor

A discussion has been held between President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and representatives of independent groups and smaller parties elected to the Colombo Municipal Council at the recent Local Government elections.

The meeting took place at the National People’s Power (NPP) headquarters in Pelawatta yesterday (May 19).

News

HRCSL issues guidelines to prevent police custodial deaths

Published

49 minutes ago

May 20, 2025

editor

The Sri Lanka Human Rights Commission (HRCSL) has issued a set of general guidelines and recommendations to prevent deaths occurring in police custody and during confrontations with the police.

These have been issued to the police under General Guidelines and Recommendations No. 01 of 2025, the Commission stated.

According to investigations based on complaints received by the Commission, there have been 49 deaths in police custody and 30 deaths due to clashes with the police between January 2020 and March 31 of this year.

Accordingly, the HRCSL issued this set of guidelines and recommendations, as stated by its Chairman, former Supreme Court Judge L.T.B. Dehideniya.

He emphasized that the police should be encouraged to implement the recommendations in order to fully enforce the guidelines.