The Excise Department has launched an investigation to look into Minister Mervyn Silva’s claim on issuing a liquor license to a hotel in Kelaniya despite the objections of him and Buddhist monks.

“Commissioner General D.G.M.V. Hapuarachchi has instructed the department to initiate an investigation into the issue. We will look into whether the licence was given within a legal framework, with the help of the Divisional Secretariat,” Excise Spokesman Prabath Jayawickrama said.

He said the licence would be suspended immediately but would be issued again if it was found to be legal.  

Minister Silva had claimed that the licence had been issued without the knowledge of the Excise Commissioner General or without the approval of Deputy Commissioner. (Sanath Desmond)