Rumours About Cancellation of 361 Bar Licenses Issued by the Previous Government Are Misleading 

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Recently, news headlines were created based on the fact that the previous government gave more than 300 bar licenses within this year. However, some misleading social media posts surrounding this being circulated currently. 

Social Media Posts 

Social media posts claim that 361 bar licenses issued by the previous government from January to December 2024 have been canceled.

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We decided to do a fact check on this. 

Fact Check 

Fact-Checking Process

To verify the claim, we analyzed the following:

News Reports

State-owned Daily News: According to Leader of the House in the parliament , Minister Bimal Ratnayake, 361 liquor licenses were issued between January 1 and October 22, 2024, under the previous government. He also alleged that these licenses were used as political bribes. During a parliamentary debate, he presented detailed figures on the issuance of these licenses across provinces, stating that 172 were issued as FL-4 licenses (retail liquor sales). Furthermore, he emphasized that a letter from the Secretary to the President instructed the Finance Ministry to halt further issuance of licenses from October 22 onward.News report can be read here 

Former President Wickremesinghe`s Office : Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe`s office  denied allegations of bribery. They asserted that the licenses were issued legally and transparently, generating significant government revenue. They  clarified that the licenses were sold for substantial fees, contributing billions to the economy. They further said that even the court has approved the bar license giving process within the election period within the proper procedure. Their statement can be read here 

Excise Department’s Statement

The law enforcement division of the Sri Lankan Excise Department confirmed that the 361 licenses issued during this period have not been canceled. However, discussions on the matter are ongoing.

A spokesperson for the department clarified that the licenses were issued in compliance with legal requirements under circular 2024/2, and no laws were violated during the issuance process despite some such licenses released after the declaration of the presidential election.

Analysis of the Claim

Issuance of 361 Liquor Licenses:

Minister Bimal Ratnayake and official parliamentary records confirm that 361 bar licenses were issued between January and October 2024.

Cancellation of Licenses:

Contrary to social media claims, the Excise Department has not canceled the licenses. Discussions may be underway, but no formal action has been taken to revoke these licenses.

Allegations of Bribery:

While Minister Ratnayake alleged that licenses were used as bribes, Former President Wickremesinghe refuted these allegations, asserting that all licenses were issued legally and transparently, contributing to state revenue.

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Conclusion

The claim that 361 bar licenses issued by the previous government have been canceled is false. Official statements from the Excise Department confirm that these licenses are still valid and were issued in compliance with legal requirements. While political debates surround the issuance process, there is no evidence to support claims of cancellation.