The National People’s Power (NPP) government has alleged that bar permits were distributed as bribes to Members of Parliament (MPs) and ministers. It further announced plans to disclose the names of all politicians involved in obtaining these permits.
A list presented in Parliament included a limited number of MPs and ministers who had received bar permits. However, the government did not clarify whether the majority of names were linked to politicians. In response, the opposition, represented by the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), demanded that the government release the full list of recipients to Parliament. SJB also urged transparency regarding those who intervened in the issuance of these permits.
Additionally, the SJB called on the government to revoke bar permits granted illegally. Despite these demands, no action has been taken by the government to cancel such permits. The SJB expressed concerns that some permit holders may have influenced the government financially to prevent cancellations.
“If bar permits have been issued illegally, the government has a duty to cancel them immediately,” the SJB stated. “We will not allow this issue to be forgotten, and we are prepared to hold demonstrations to ensure accountability.”
A member of the NPP emphasized the importance of distinguishing truth from falsehood, criticizing what they described as a betrayal of promises made to the public.
“Democracy is being undermined,” said NPP member Nalin Bandara. “The false assurances given to the National People’s Power must now be discarded as we strive to uphold democratic principles.”
