Tamils protest in Mannar against liquor store, as controversy erupts over licenses

Hundreds of Tamils, including men, women, and the elderly, gathered at the crossroads of the Mannar-Talaimannar main road to protest against the opening of a liquor store, which was granted a license despite fierce opposition from the community and local clergy.

Protesters staged a sit-in to block the store, while others held banners demanding that authorities permanently close the establishment. In a symbolic act, a coffin was placed in the middle of the road to represent the perceived harm the store could cause to the community. They argued that keeping the store open, in an area densely populated with youth training centers, places of worship, and schools, would adversely affect the community.

This is not the first time that protests have been held against the liquor store in Mannar. Last month, residents staged a demonstration in front of the Mannar District Secretariat, calling on the District Government President to prevent the store from opening.

In response, Mannar Divisional Secretary M. Pradeep engaged with the protesters, but they insisted that the Mannar District Government President, K. Kanakeswaran, visit the site. He eventually met with the community and listened to their concerns. However, both the Divisional Secretary and the President explained that they lacked the authority to close the liquor store immediately and that any such action would need to come from the Commissioner General of the Liquor Department.

The controversy surrounding the store has drawn national attention. All Ceylon People's Congress leader, Rishad Bathiudeen, has urged President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to revoke the store’s license. In a letter to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Bathiudeen highlighted the liquor store’s proximity to schools, garment factories, and residential areas. He noted that the store's opening has caused growing unrest, with protests intensifying over the past month. Bathiudeen also claimed that the license was issued by the previous government for political reasons, questioning the decision to allow such a business in a highly sensitive area, especially when the local population has been vocal in its opposition.

The latest protest comes in the wake of allegations that Tamil lawmakers were amongst those that received licenses granted by former president Ranil Wickremesinghe. The claims have been made by MPs from both the Ilankai Tamil Arasu Katchi (ITAK) and Tamil Makkal Thesiya Kuttani (TMTK).

According to Sri Lanka's Alcohol and Drug Information Centre (ADIC), the North-East has some of the highest rates of alcohol consumption in the country. Batticaloa district reports the highest percentage (37.8%), while Jaffna records 20.4%. The fear is that introducing more liquor outlets in such regions could further exacerbate existing social problems, caused by decades of genocide and an ongoing Sri Lankan military occupation.

For months, the people of Mannar have made their stance clear: they are unwilling to allow the normalization of alcohol in their community, particularly near places of worship and educational institutions. Despite promises from officials, the situation remains unresolved, and the community’s anger continues to grow.