President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has decided to temporarily suspend all liquor licenses that were issued informally, which sparked controversy, Sunday Mawbima reported.
Several media outlets have also reported that, ahead of the Presidential election, the previous government allegedly issued a large number of liquor licenses to gain the support of parliamentarians.
The newspaper further revealed that the Director General of Excise has been summoned to the President’s Office to investigate the matter.
The informal issuance of liquor licenses in the past will also be scrutinized, and action will be taken. Reports suggest that numerous new bars have been opened across the country with the involvement of various politicians.
Sunday Mawbima reports that sources indicated all liquor license details, including those granted for liquor stores, will be temporarily suspended until formalized, with appropriate action to follow.
Additionally, the newspaper noted that the government has missed out on billions in liquor taxes, and steps will be taken to recover these funds.
The report also highlights that more than 300 liquor hall licenses were granted unofficially.
