Shanakiya Rasamanickam, parliamentary group leader of the Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK), has strongly opposed plans to establish new liquor outlets in the Jaffna and Kilinochchi districts, urging the government to prioritise development and public welfare in the Northern Province.
Raising a question in Parliament today under Standing Order 27(2), the MP said there was strong public opposition to proposals to open additional liquor outlets in the two districts.
He also expressed concern over proposals to locate these outlets near schools, Hindu temples and residential areas.
Rasamanickam stressed that development in the Northern Province should not mean increasing the number of liquor outlets. Instead, he said, priority should be given to improving livelihoods, public services and economic opportunities for the people.
The MP also questioned the government about 361 liquor licences reportedly issued during the administration of former President Ranil Wickremesinghe. He called for the disclosure of the names of politicians who recommended the licences, details of the beneficiaries, findings of investigations into alleged irregularities and the number of licences subsequently cancelled.
Addressing the reported increase in illegal liquor production and sales in the Batticaloa area, he called for stronger legal action and tougher penalties against repeat offenders.
He also questioned whether high taxes on legally produced alcoholic beverages were driving consumers towards cheaper illegal alternatives, thereby increasing alcohol-related health risks and placing an additional burden on the free public healthcare system.
Rasamanickam requested district-level statistics on illegal liquor-related offences and repeat offenders for 2025 and 2026. He also sought details of liquor licences proposed, approved or issued in Jaffna and Kilinochchi since September 2024.
The MP urged the government to ensure transparency in issuing liquor licences, listen to public objections and strengthen measures to combat illegal liquor production and sales.
Responding to his questions, Deputy Minister of Economic Development Nishantha Jayawira said draft amendments to the Excise Ordinance had been prepared to increase penalties for offenders and that the relevant legal procedures had already commenced.
The Deputy Minister further stated that shortcomings in the existing Excise Ordinance had been identified and addressed. He added that the necessary legal amendments would be incorporated and that approval was expected in the near future.
