Did a Media Insider Receive a State Alcohol Import Licence? Calls Grow for Probe into Yahapalana-Era Permit Scheme
By Political Correspondent
Fresh questions over the controversial system of alcohol importation licences introduced during Sri Lanka’s former “Yahapalana” administration have prompted calls for a formal anti-corruption inquiry, with attention now turning to whether a politically connected media figure benefited from the scheme.
Political observers and transparency advocates have urged the current administration led by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to investigate whether journalist and media executive Ruwan Ferdinands—formerly associated with the Daily Mirror Sri Lanka and widely believed to have influence over the news platform The Leader—was granted a lucrative alcohol importation and distribution licence during the tenure of former Finance Minister Mangala Samaraweera.
The issue, resurfacing in Colombo’s political circles, raises wider questions about whether alcohol import permits were selectively issued to politically connected individuals under a licensing framework that critics say lacked transparency.
Questions Over Yahapalana-Era Licensing
The alcohol importation permit system is believed to have been initially introduced during the period when Ravi Karunanayake served as Finance Minister, before later being continued under his successor, Mangala Samaraweera.
At the time, officials argued that the scheme would regulate alcohol imports, improve tax compliance, and stabilise supply chains in Sri Lanka’s regulated liquor market.
However, critics now claim that the licensing structure may have created opportunities for politically connected intermediaries to obtain permits which could then be commercially exploited—or even transferred to third parties.
Among the most serious allegations being raised is whether certain individuals obtained licences not for operational purposes but as tradable assets within the alcohol distribution sector.
Allegations Involving Media Figure
Attention has turned particularly toward Ruwan Ferdinands, a controversial figure in Sri Lanka’s media landscape who previously held editorial responsibilities at the Daily Mirror and is widely regarded as a key figure behind the political website The Leader.
Sources within Colombo’s media and business community have suggested that Ferdinands may have been granted an alcohol import licence during the Samaraweera tenure, potentially placing him in the unusual position of simultaneously operating within both journalism and a highly regulated commercial sector.
Critics argue that such an arrangement, if proven, would raise serious ethical and regulatory concerns, particularly given the media’s role in scrutinising state power.
No official records confirming the licence have yet been publicly released, and Ferdinands has not publicly responded to the allegations.
Role of Advisers Under Scrutiny
Another figure being discussed in connection with the licensing framework is Indian national Suresh Kumar Shah, who reportedly served as an adviser to Mangala Samaraweera and was known to have professional ties within Sri Lanka’s beverage industry.
Shah was also associated with the country’s largest beer manufacturer, Lion Brewery, where he previously held a senior executive role.
Critics now question whether the licensing system may have indirectly benefited major industry players by restricting market access through a controlled permit regime.
Some analysts argue that if a limited number of politically allocated licences existed, the system may have inadvertently created a form of market concentration, strengthening the dominance of established companies.
No evidence has yet emerged directly linking Lion Brewery to the alleged distribution of licences.
Possible Licence Trading
A central question being raised by anti-corruption advocates is whether any alcohol import licences issued during that period were subsequently sold or transferred to other commercial operators.
If such transfers occurred, investigators would likely examine:
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whether licence holders operated legitimate import businesses
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whether permits were transferred informally to established distributors
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and whether financial payments were made in exchange for the permits.
Such practices, if proven, could potentially constitute regulatory abuse or financial misconduct.
Calls for Formal Investigation
Several political activists have urged the government to refer the matter to the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) for a formal inquiry.
They argue that a comprehensive investigation should establish:
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who received alcohol importation licences during the relevant period
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the criteria used to award those licences
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whether any licences were subsequently sold or transferred
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and whether public officials were involved in facilitating the process.
Analysts say the case could become an early test of the anti-corruption agenda of the new administration, which has repeatedly promised to review controversial decisions made under previous governments.
Transparency Demands
Civil society groups argue that the simplest way to clarify the matter would be for the government to publish a complete registry of alcohol importation licences issued during the Yahapalana period.
Such a disclosure would allow the public to determine whether politically exposed individuals or media figures were among the recipients.
Until then, the controversy surrounding the licensing system continues to fuel speculation within Sri Lanka’s political and media circles.
Whether the allegations represent political theatre or the early signs of a genuine corruption scandal may ultimately depend on whether the authorities decide to open a formal investigation—and whether the documentary trail confirms the claims now circulating in Colombo.