• Jayasekara alleged that this was a move by the Finance Ministry to indirectly raise funds for MPs for the upcoming Presidential election

By Ajith Siriwardana and Yohan Perera  

Opposition MP Dayasiri Jayasekara revealed yesterday that more than Rs.300 million had been circulated among some MPs in the process of issuing licenses for 1,028 wine stores throughout the country.  

He told parliament that some 1,028 new permits for wine stores have been issued by May 10, 2024 adding that a MP has obtained Rs. 30 million for trading the permit.  

The MP said Rs. 10 million has been obtained before the permit was issued and another Rs. 20 million after the permit was issued.  

He said 137 permits have been issued in the Colombo District, 128 in Gampaha District while 1,089 permits have been issued to hotels, 306 permits to supermarkets and 765 to restaurants.  

“Government and Opposition MPs have appealed to the President for licenses. A deposit of Rs 12.5 million should be made to the Pradeshiya Sabha or Urban Council when opening a wine store and Rs. 500,000 should be paid annually. Apart from this, Rs. 30 million has been taken by MPs to trade a permit. Rs. 300 million has been circulated among the MPs in total,” the MP said.  

Jayasekara alleged that this was a move by the Finance Ministry to indirectly raise funds for MPs for the upcoming Presidential election.