Former Finance Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and 38 others, including former Excise Commissioner General M.J. Gunasiri, are named as respondents in a petition filed with the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka. The petition alleges that liquor licenses were issued in violation of the Excise Act following the announcement of the presidential election, ostensibly to gain political support.
The petition was submitted by two liquor business owners based in Kandy, who claim that the licenses were granted in an arbitrary and unjust manner. They argue that the issuance was intended to influence voters and contravened the provisions of the Excise Act. Other respondents include the Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, Trade Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe, and members of the Bribery Commission.
The petition alleges that the actions were politically motivated and aimed at securing electoral advantages during the presidential election held on September 21. It further emphasizes that such acts compromise the integrity of democratic processes, violate fundamental rights, and erode public trust in governance.
This case highlights broader concerns about potential misuse of public office and resources during elections. It raises questions about the ethical and legal implications of leveraging state mechanisms for political gain.
The Supreme Court is expected to hear the case in the coming weeks, with the potential for broader repercussions on how public resources and powers are used during election periods. If the court finds these actions unlawful, it could set a significant precedent for election-related governance and accountability in Sri Lanka.
