New Democratic Front (NDF) MP Rohitha Abeygunawardena called on the government to release the list of individuals who have obtained liquor licenses, along with the names of the politicians who recommended them.

During today’s (5 December) parliamentary sittings, Abeygunawardena emphasized that if the government fails to do so, “everyone will become sinners.”

In response, Minister Nalinda Jayatissa, the Chief Government Whip said that the Ministry of Finance is currently investigating the matter and will present all the relevant facts once the information is gathered.

The Excise Department has issued 361 liquor licenses from January 1 to October 6, 2024.

Leader of the House Bimal Rathnayake yesterday (4 December) tabled the document revealing the information of all the licenses recipients.

According to the document, a total of 110 liquor licenses were issued in the Western Province, followed by 48 in the Southern Province and 45 in the Central Province. The Northern Province received 32 licenses, while the North Western and Uva Provinces each received 30. The North Central Province was granted 14 licenses, and the Eastern Province received 22 licenses.

Of the total licenses issued, 172 were granted under the FL-4 category, which allows for the retail sale of liquor in wine stores