Petition filed against Ranil Wickramesinghe over alleged illegal bar licenses

The petition was lodged by liquor license holders Thangavelu Dharmendra Raja from Matale and Prasad Dinuka Priyadarshana of Buthpitiya.

The petition names several respondents, including former Finance Minister and President Ranil Wickremesinghe, former Excise Commissioner General M.J. Gunasiri, the Secretary to the Ministry of Finance, as well as members of the Bribery Commission and the Election Commission. Ministers Wasantha Samarasinghe and Bimal Ratnayake, along with officials from the Excise Department, are also listed as respondents in the case.

The petitioners allege that the issuance of these liquor licenses was carried out in violation of election laws, with the aim of benefiting certain individuals during the election period. They are seeking the cancellation of the licenses and a thorough investigation into the matter.

This legal move comes amidst growing concerns about the conduct of government officials and the fairness of the electoral process. The Supreme Court is expected to hear the petition in the coming days.