The Excise Department has issued 361 liquor licenses from January 1 to October 6, 2024, Chief Government Whip and MP Bimal Rathnayake revealed in Parliament.

In his statement, Rathnayake alleged that the distribution of these licenses was politically motivated.

“I can clearly state that these licenses were issued by former President Ranil Wickremesinghe to facilitate political crossovers in exchange for political bribes,” Rathnayake asserted in Parliament.

He said that the highest number of licenses, 110, were issued in the Western Province. The Southern Province followed with 48 licenses, while the Central Province received 45. The Northern Province received 32 licenses, with the North Western and Uva Provinces receiving 30 each. The North Central Province received 14 licenses, and the Eastern Province was issued 22 licenses.

Out of the total licenses issued, 172 were granted under the FL-4 category, which permits the retail sale of liquor in wine stores, Rathnayake further elaborated submitting the full list in Parliament.

FULL LIST: