Opposition leader’s proposal raises doubts over MPs’ loyalty amid liquor license issue

14 May 2024 06:40 pm - 15 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Colombo, May 14 (Daily Mirror) - If the MPs who have applied for liquor licenses are to face punishment, as the Opposition Leader suggests, it raises suspicions on how many MPs will remain loyal to him, Finance State Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya said.

Addressing the media, he said no arrangements have been made to provide liquor licenses to any of the parliamentarians' friends or acquaintances. The Opposition Leader claimed no such project was launched, but he repeats that over and over again.

"Based on the reported population data, liquor licenses were issued 16 years ago. The government's approach doesn't involve promoting the use of legal alcohol; instead, it focuses on regulation through tax hikes and implementing new license fees. The overarching goal seems to be enhancing state revenue while simultaneously curbing the proliferation of illegal alcohol," the State mMnister said.

"The Opposition Leader's suggestion, requesting the names of all company directors who have applied for liquor licenses, doesn't hide anything. However, obtaining this list requires specific requests and may involve a separate process. The Excise Department has stated that compiling this list will take several days," he said.

As requested by the Leader of the Opposition, the report on the boards of directors of the companies that have applied for liquor licenses will be prepared and presented during the next parliamentary session, Siyambalapitiya said.

Comments - 15

Sambo Tuesday, 14 May 2024 07:21 PM

In this country having a drink after a hard days work has become a luxury for the common man but politicians sit in 5 star hotels and drink FOC. There is no tax revenue coming from politicians but the poor man.

Liberal One Thursday, 16 May 2024 10:39 AM

Luxury is taking your hard day's pay to your family and your kids. Not to an alcohol company in Scotland.

Rip Winkle Tuesday, 14 May 2024 07:48 PM

In other words, it's totally ethical to gift ministers liquor licenses in return for their loyalty, eh mate?

Wickum Tuesday, 14 May 2024 11:01 PM

Very soon this liquor license business will come to an end. Sri Lankan politics is based on this as admitted by the Minister. This culture needs a quick change.

ACA Tuesday, 14 May 2024 10:30 PM

Hope and pray we will not see these jokers in next parliament.

Courages Party Leaders? Tuesday, 14 May 2024 10:39 PM

Leader of the opposition and all other party leaders have to nominate honest, sincere people that are willing to do good for the country for the next parliamentary election. That is the only way a real change can be introduced aligned to the current system.

Balu Sunakayo Tuesday, 14 May 2024 11:29 PM

Divide these lucrative businesses among yourselves you morons!

Gt Wednesday, 15 May 2024 01:59 AM

Ministers should be stripped of privileges and ability to give their friends or family what they want, it should follow a fair procedure for all citizens to prosper or have the desired businesses they want, politicians not only steal from the banks, they steal peoples hopes and future

Gt Wednesday, 15 May 2024 01:59 AM

Ministers should be stripped of privileges and ability to give their friends or family what they want, it should follow a fair procedure for all citizens to prosper or have the desired businesses they want, politicians not only steal from the banks, they steal peoples hopes and future

BanduXX Wednesday, 15 May 2024 02:54 AM

In a matter of national interest to the people, surely compiling this list taking several days is nothing and so dont complain unless you wanted to hide something.

Ram Wednesday, 15 May 2024 03:35 AM

Liquor Licences, car permits, jobs for MP catchers etc are the ways to treat the MPs who support the government. This has been there for ages

Yohan Wednesday, 15 May 2024 07:59 AM

Sajith is an immature and guy who thinks in old ways. He needs to improve his IQ level. Tourism is one of the major ways for income in future for SL. All major junctions should have a bar. Give license to all super market outlets. It is good for the economy.

They should tell me! Wednesday, 15 May 2024 08:58 AM

When Sajith wants to know if there are any SJB MPs who are given bar licences, there must be a reason. How can they enjoy privileges without his knowledge or giving him a share of the loot?

Man Wednesday, 15 May 2024 09:53 AM

Are you concerned about Sajith being isolated? Absurd as usual.

Sudda Wednesday, 15 May 2024 10:44 AM

What kind of country is this where MP getting liquor licenses???

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Opposition leader’s proposal raises doubts over MPs’ loyalty amid liquor license issue

Comments - 15

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