Concessionary vehicle permits: MPs have their way, ignoring economic crisis

13 May 2024 06:18 am Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 75 Bookmark

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Colombo, May 13 (Daily Mirror) - Despite the cost of living sizzling at red hot levels and the country being cash- strapped, the House Committee of Parliament has endorsed the proposal to offer concessionary vehicle permits for MPs as requested by them, a top source said.

The source familiar with the decision said the committee which looks into the requirements of the MPs positively considered the request by them for such permits in line with the similar facilities offered to executive graders in different categories of the public service.

The MPs , numbering more than 100 and representing different parties, submitted a letter to Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena asking for permission to import vehicles with no duty for their use.

Following the approval by the House Committee, the Speaker is expected to write to President Ranil Wickremesinghe who is authorized to execute the decision as the Finance Minister.

After constitution of every Parliament, the MPs are given vehicle permits . However, the MPs elected to the current Parliament at the 2020 general election did not get the benefit due to the economic crisis and the ban on vehicle imports to save foreign exchange.

The government is now mulling the possibility of lifting the ban. The MPs are likely to get permits once the ban is lifted only.

In the past, there were reports about the MPs selling off their permits and earning multimillion rupee revenue each.

Comments - 75

Bandu Monday, 13 May 2024 06:31 AM

Sadly crooks are running the country.

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Onlooker Monday, 13 May 2024 11:58 AM

Please inform us the names of those in the House Committee who the chief culprits.

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Don’t Vote Them Back If You Think It’s Unfair Monday, 13 May 2024 06:44 AM

Cabinet consisting of Ministers should be the ones deciding for them. Screwed up system which needs to be amended when these current shameless morons are thrown off. As mentioned, they are from various parties and anyone getting new vehicles MUST NEVER BE VOTED BACK as they are definitely not into nation building and caring for the people’s misery.

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lkboy Monday, 13 May 2024 05:42 PM

we should know the list of names of MPs who got this.

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Nimal Monday, 13 May 2024 07:03 AM

First it was the Central Bank. Now it is the turn of the MPs. However, the much needed salary increases of government servants will have to wait until next year, if at all a next year will dawn for this wretched government. Every vile action is done surreptitiously and to top it all we have the massive frauds at the Ministry of Health and the visa debacle. None of these scoundrels who receive these benefits should be returned to parliament at the next general elections. These guys, too, are well aware of it, duty free vehicles or not.

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Nodaking kalakanni Monday, 13 May 2024 07:10 AM

And the president claims his primary goal is to rescue the economy!! What a sleaze bag. Faster we get rid of these tyrants, the better for the country.

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Don’t Be Surprised With Voters Mentality Monday, 13 May 2024 11:21 AM

Sorry mate, majority are satisfied with RW for bringing stability and he’s the man of the match! Just don’t be surprised if he’s back on the top job again.

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Tinpot president and his goons Monday, 13 May 2024 07:14 AM

Ranils bribes continue, enjoy your lives while you can scum bags because in 9 months you could be breaking rocks.

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Matador Monday, 13 May 2024 07:19 AM

These perks should be based on their contribution. All the ministers in government should be riding push bikes.

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FredSnR Monday, 13 May 2024 07:27 AM

Can't believe what Iam reading public transport system run down badly, in need of capital to survive and grow but plans afoot for some 30? odd companies to assemble cars in SL. now car permits for MPs.Have elections soon and elect people who will go by bus or train till the public transport system improves

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Mahila Monday, 13 May 2024 07:33 AM

(PART I) NO!!?? Shouldn't be allowed!!?? Especially, ‘POOR masses’ are going through “PAIN of BANKRUPTCY and the AFTERMATH”!!?? Parliamentarians are undergoing difficulty – Transport, discharging their duty, WELL ENOUGH, definitely they may be allowed Permit/License to IMPORT ONE 4-Wheeled, 2 WD Vehicle CIF value,

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Mahila Monday, 13 May 2024 02:13 PM

.....................CIF value,

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Pusa Monday, 13 May 2024 07:38 AM

Dear MPs: enjoy the ride in your new vehicle because the people are getting ready to give your last ride

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porcupine Monday, 13 May 2024 07:40 AM

Nothing unusual. This is part of the heritage and culture of a proud nation. Happy for the ministers who will get these permits and make a living atleast they are smart.

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SL Voters are Proud of Them Monday, 13 May 2024 11:27 AM

Can’t agree more! It’s been like this for years and dumb voters have accepted it and will vote them back every 5 years. Will make some noise now and within a few days, all forgotten. Struggles and misery will continue for most.

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Wimal Monday, 13 May 2024 07:46 AM

RW won't agree. He has already stated no imports till 2025. Perhaps in 2025 prior to general election may be a possibility.

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M Fernando Tuesday, 14 May 2024 10:11 AM

These permits appeared in the pockets of the Politicos by magic At no cost to the country. Unless RW is a blind and deaf mute, there is no way his could have been done without his knowledge and approval. RW just another self-serving politician fighting to stay in power by hook or by crook. Rescuing the Country ??? Economic Wizard ?? My small donkey !!!

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Yohan Monday, 13 May 2024 07:56 AM

Why give vehicles to mps who serve for 5y. They should be given vehicles to be used from a fleet of vehices owned by government. If someone does not own a vehicle they should not do politics as that is a personel level failure. So any mp who asks for a free vehicle means a begger. How can such failed individuals serve others. At the next election do not vote anyone who does not have his or her own house, stable income and a vehicle. Look for these factors when voting. By the way, giving vehicles or planning to give vehicles to mps when election period are announced by EC is a bribe. Good opportunity for any party not in parliament to use this when nominations are called. RW nomination will be nulled.

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Adwani Monday, 13 May 2024 07:59 AM

This is just one of their cheating methods, have we ever seen an MP travelling in luxury vehicle to do the most needed task for the public?? Even in Parliament they get cheap luxury food and other facilities. Majority of the MPs are engaged in criminal activities, while their slave Policemen are protecting them and harrassing ordinary citizens.

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This is reality Monday, 13 May 2024 08:02 AM

Just one word - R I D I C U L O U S. (sorry - most MPs will not know the meaning of the word).

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Voters Too Won’t Understand Monday, 13 May 2024 11:18 AM

The majority voting them in every 5 years will not know the meaning too!

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ANNECUNT Monday, 13 May 2024 01:30 PM

they know the word CORRUPTION is that good enough

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Mahila Monday, 13 May 2024 08:03 AM

(PART II) …………by ‘LESSEE’ (MP), would ENTAIL FULL PAYMENT of Customs Duty, Levies, BTT assessed, determined, Customs, IRD – Time of Import to REGAIN “TITLE of OWNERSHIP” of the “MERCHANDISE”!? Non-payment – Customs Duty, Levies, BTT assessed, within 5 Years 30 days expiration from date of Importation, Government empowered repossession, ‘SUCH MERCHANDISE’ – this case vehicle – from the LESSEE or his NOMINEES, IMPOUND and DISPOSE THEREAFTER as determined by GOSL, Credit proceeds to Treasury CF!!!??? This is the SORT OF SYSTEM CHANGE, or REVOLUTIONISE METHODOLOGY OF GOVERNANCE, that the ARAGALAYA OF 2022 – “MOOTED, DESIRED AND PURSUED” at Galle Face Grounds – “GOTA, GO- HOME, GAMA”!!! NOT CHANGING “FIGUREHEADS” WITH SAME OLD FACES – BECAUSE FACES AND INDIVIDUALS ARE INSIGNIFICANT AND IMMATERIAL AND HAS NO EFFECT AND NO PROGRESS!!!??? “CHANGE THE SYSTEM”!!!??? PROVIDE THE AMENITIES FOR MP’s – SERVE THE MASSES!!?? “SYSTEM CHANGE”= “change MODALITY OF DELIVERANCE”!!???

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Terrence K Monday, 13 May 2024 08:22 AM

These politicians only deserve to be given a free ride in the Prison bus to the nearest jail for bankcrupting the country and creating havoc to the livelihoods of the public. Also all politicians accounts should be freezed and utilized as a buffer for the inflation created which would greatly reduce the burden of the public!!!!!!!

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Dan Monday, 13 May 2024 08:35 AM

Taxes to the public and duty free luxury vehicles to the MPs.

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Jude Monday, 13 May 2024 08:41 AM

I reiterate, government led by Ranil will issue car permits for those who'll support a motion in parliament with simple majority to postpone the general Elections for 2 years!!

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Jude Monday, 13 May 2024 08:42 AM

If any MP get car permits, people should burn the car if possible with the occupant MP

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Tissa Fernando Monday, 13 May 2024 10:09 AM

Slowly 1988 89 era concept is brewing in . Dark era is coming back.

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sam Monday, 13 May 2024 08:43 AM

MP's in developed and other countries use public transport. Why SL MP's cannot?

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Use Normal Vehicles Monday, 13 May 2024 11:32 AM

It’s ok for them to have a normal vehicle to move about to meet and represent the citizens. High end vehicles must be removed for their use and sold off to save cost.

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Reformist Monday, 13 May 2024 08:44 AM

Another slap on the face of taxpayers and another example of having one law to them one law to general powerless public. Is this a sign of a country trying to get out of bankruptcy? A sign of a country that wants to be developed country soon? Keep dreaming! We have 225 of them for such a tiny country. Those 225 should be reduced to 50. Full stop.

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Trehan Munasinghe Monday, 13 May 2024 08:44 AM

These Parasites are not deserving of such privileges, in a Republic, Gov't servants including those elected by the people should travel in the same vehicles as the general public (ie basic car) or use Public Transport No luxury vehicle permits should be given to MP's or Ministers, use the same vehicle or auction them and get some basic entry level vehicles.... Why on earth should these 225 get duty free permits to import luxury vehicles, when the general public doesn't even have a proper standard bus to travel in.

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Justice Monday, 13 May 2024 08:58 AM

If the president approves this, it will be a poltical suicide for him. When public has no way to get a vehicle at current market condition, giving the benefit to 5year service failed politicians would be a very foolish political decision. Also, it this get approved there will be queue of strikes by all other state officials specifically by GMOA.

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Mendis Monday, 13 May 2024 09:01 AM

Government will have to acquire them if they loose their parliamentary seat in the coming election. Can be given to incoming MPs.

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Christo255 Monday, 13 May 2024 09:20 AM

This is exactly why we need to chase these buggers away. Only their perks and comforts, let the public go to hell. Sajith what do you have to say about SJBers wanting permits

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Roshan Herath Monday, 13 May 2024 02:11 PM

SJB MP Eran Wickramaratne replied to a recent media question that its a must to provide duty free Vehicle permits to MPs as they are doing an employment and not a public service. Wow what a thing by this MP and this is from the national list MP from a party who is looking to take over power.GooD Luck SL

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Rajkumar Nagarajah Monday, 13 May 2024 09:21 AM

One country One system for all citizens. Politicians and Civil Servants, implement immediately.

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Prof. G.T. Munaweera Monday, 13 May 2024 09:22 AM

Few more months for elections, these MPs. are not sure about being in the Parliament anymore so before that these fellows are trying to earn the maximum. Mr. President, when the country sinks with the crisis, there is no necessity of having vehicle permits for MPs. Please stop this move.

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S.A. Gunaratne (IT specialist) Monday, 13 May 2024 09:25 AM

Vehicle Permits for mps. should be folded as 75% of our countrymen are still living with poverty and only why mps. are treated to lead a luxury life.

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Suresh Nilan Monday, 13 May 2024 09:27 AM

Give them not permits, but a locally assembled vehicle from proposed new 30 plants.

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wsw Monday, 13 May 2024 02:34 PM

Give them something brand new imported from India, they will struggle to come up with a plausible excuse to reject.

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Mohamed Adham Monday, 13 May 2024 09:36 AM

What do they care ? We the Fools, keep on voting for them into Parliament. We should be told if the JVP have also requested for this facility, in particular ?

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Fernando Monday, 13 May 2024 09:54 AM

So, these are the very same people who keep screaming from the bottom of their throat that they are doing everything for the betterment of the country??? Anura, Sajith your members too are into this. Aren't they?

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Citizen Monday, 13 May 2024 09:54 AM

Provide non transferable permits

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Acting as patriots but in real, all are crooks Monday, 13 May 2024 09:57 AM

Get lost you good for nothing scumbags! If there are more than 100 members asking for vehicles, there must be opposition members too in it.

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Perera Monday, 13 May 2024 10:17 AM

This seems a plan to boost Ranil's image. Ranil is bound to turn down the request as finance minister. That will boost his image for the upcoming pres elections.

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Seeya Monday, 13 May 2024 10:22 AM

Promote local production buy locally produced at list price, much cheaper than spending $$ on V8s, Mercs and BMW's. Why send equivalent of Rs. 15mil out of the country when you can buy a locally produced vehicle. Afterall it is your duty to support your own initiatives of local assembly. Why treat with a different spoon, when public are inconvenienced?

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ACA Monday, 13 May 2024 10:23 AM

Public must come road to stop this economic criminals and vote out every one of this parliament soon.

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Most Satisfied With Current Regime Monday, 13 May 2024 11:40 AM

Sadly, majority are satisfied with this regime for the stability brought after 2022. Just pocket change for the govnt to loose on taxes from these new cars. So don’t be surprised if they are back in October for another 5 years of struggles and misery for the majority.

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Ravana Monday, 13 May 2024 10:40 AM

Cannot blame the politicians. We are reaping for the sins we sowed.

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sarath gooneratne Monday, 13 May 2024 10:43 AM

These political crooks need to be thrown out. They don't care about the people at all.

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Foot note Monday, 13 May 2024 11:12 AM

Cut all luxurious perks and privileges to discourage crooks coming into politics.

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Dr Nimal Perera Monday, 13 May 2024 11:27 AM

Another example of the rotten political culture - let's get together and change it at the next election

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RV Pillai Monday, 13 May 2024 12:06 PM

Vehicle permit was a business. Even the Very honourable leaders of TULF , claiming to be Champions of Tamil rights have done this business of making money on Permits.

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Mahila Thursday, 16 May 2024 08:33 PM

AND, why to "EXCLUSION of JVP/NPP"!! ACCEPT THEM TO CLUB!!???

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Sam Monday, 13 May 2024 12:18 PM

Target

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Citizen Monday, 13 May 2024 12:19 PM

As a pubic I am fed up of this country and the political system, we need a system change badly. people must vote out the MPs and party who allow for car permit eliminated in the coming election.

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Bastards Monday, 13 May 2024 12:30 PM

WHY CANT THEY PAY TAXES?

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Ylg Monday, 13 May 2024 01:57 PM

GOD SAVE US! . . . WE NEED HELP AND PRAYER Devine intervention against these people.

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K.M. Piyatissa - Journalist Monday, 13 May 2024 03:33 PM

All the MPs are having luxury vehicles in which some each Tyre will cost around 1.75 Lakhs. What a curse, why only for Parliament MPs whom even utter a word in the Parliament for their people are just getting luxury vehicles for heating the chairs. Curse, it's a dam curse for such people.

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Asanka Abeysinghe Monday, 13 May 2024 03:36 PM

These Jokers does not even deserve a Maruti 800. Bunch of crooks.

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R.J. Siomon Siripala - Dolosbage (Nawalapitiya) Monday, 13 May 2024 03:38 PM

Some MPs were using only Push Bikes before entering Politics. (Example: Mahinananda Aluthgamage) had only a Push Bike with corroded rims, no mud guard and came to work in Nawalapitiya. Now he has 4 Bars, 3 Petrol Stations and in the BIA 2 large jewellery shops and he owns 4 Luxury Vehicles. Whose money is this? Our blood is boiling while hearing this. Even he has requested another Duty-Free Vehicle permit.

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E.P. Sumathipala - Nawalapitiya Market Vendor Tuesday, 14 May 2024 08:22 AM

Yes, what you said is 100% truth. You missed one thing - he has four Mansions in SriLanka and one in UK and the other in Australia. He joined the Finance Company for Rs. 275/- salary. Better than me, his first wife will tell all the truth.

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GET 225 BULLOCK Carts Monday, 13 May 2024 04:50 PM

Import 225 bullock carts without bulls. Get the MP's to pull there own cart.

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Gabriella Monday, 13 May 2024 05:57 PM

Make the permits non transferable ( vehicle in permit owners name only). Meanwhile the paragons of virtue and “clean” governance (JVP/NPP), stay silent, like pigs waiting for their turn at the trough. If the JVP/ NPP want to display some credibility, these are the issues they should be vehemently opposing.

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Mahila Thursday, 16 May 2024 08:16 PM

"MAKE THE PERMITS NON-TRANSFERABLE (NOT PERMIT IN ANY INDIVIDUAL) NAME – DEPARTMENT OF GOVERNMENT SUPPLIES AND NOT IN THE NAME OF ANY MP!!!??? The MP’s using the vehicle at any one time, are only DEEMED AS LESSEES (“NOVATED LEASE)” FOR TIME PERIOD APPLICABLE!!!!!?? Because, ownership is with Government Supplies Department NO Customs Duty, Levies and Taxes are deemed necessary to be paid, “Until END of that TERM” IF and when such Ownership is transferred is Transferred, for such Transfer to Take effect AWAY FROM GOVERNMENT OWNERSHIP!!!??? Meanwhile the paragons of virtue and “clean” governance (JVP/NPP), stay silent, like pigs waiting for their turn at the trough – WELL THAT IS A CHOICE LEFT TO THEM TO ENJOY AT THEIR WILL AND PLEASURE – whether they WISH TO COMPLY WITH THEIR OWN DIKTAT TO OTHERS AS BEING SELF-RIGHTEOUS, IS THE BUSINESS OF JVP/NPP POLITICIANS AND NOT OF ANY OTHER, AS IT MAY BE DEEMED, CASTING ASPERSIONS AND OF NO MATERIAL EFFECT, THAN BEING PRESUMPTIVE AT THIS STAGE!!!?

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STOMY DANIELS Monday, 13 May 2024 07:10 PM

let us pay more tax to cover the cost

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THESE SCUMBAGS KNOW THEY WILL ALL GET KICKED OUT, SO GOING FOR THE KILL!!! Monday, 13 May 2024 10:37 PM

READ BETWEEN THE LINES, THIS IS DONE TO RILE THE PEOPLE SO SLPP NOT VOTED IN (AS THEY R IN MAJORITY GOVT NOW). THE FOX IS SMART HOPING THE MAJORITY WILL VOTE HIM IN!!!. WAITING TO SEE IF HE USES A FOX AS HIS SYMBOL. I HOPE RUWAN GETS A PLACE IN THE NEXT GOVT WITH ANURA.

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ANNECUNT Tuesday, 14 May 2024 01:24 AM

MINISTERS HAVE NO RETIREMENT AGE LOOK AT MR STILL COME TO THE PARLIAMENT

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Lokka Tuesday, 14 May 2024 03:09 AM

What logic is this. Parliament will be resolved in a few months

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Mahila Tuesday, 14 May 2024 04:49 AM

GIVE ALL 225 Mercedes AMG V8's!!??

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Love SL Tuesday, 14 May 2024 09:26 AM

Is there any doubt that this system has to change? 5 year state pensions, concessionary vehicle permits for MP and Free life at the expense of the poor and others who work so hard for the corrupt and thugs? Surprised why the population is turning to the NPP/JVP? Answer: That is the way the universe works - against evil. Do the right thing and think from your heart and vote from that.

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WAKE UP VOTERS AND READ INBETWEEN THE LINES. FOCUS ON WHAT THE MAJORITY WANT, COMPLETE CHANGE OF MAJORITY IN PRESENT GOVERNMENT. Tuesday, 14 May 2024 02:07 PM

RANIL SWEPT THE CORRUPT CROOKS AND INEFFICIENT POLITICIANS WHO BROUGHT THE COUNTRY DOWN TO ITS KNEES. HOWEVER, IF YOU READ CAREFULLY, YOU WILL SEE A FEW DIGS TO SLPP FROM TIME TO TIME. THESE DIGS SETS THE VOTERS UP AGAINST THE GOVT THAT PUT US ALL IN THIS SITUATION. HE HAS SOME OF THE SLPP BACKING HIM, SO THAT SPLITS THE SLPP VOTES. SMART FOX, BUT LET US ALL SEE WHERE IT GETS HIM AND HIS GROUP OF STOOGERS.

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Sumal Thursday, 16 May 2024 06:30 AM

Can we know what contributions and values these MPs adding to country? They are simply sucking the blood of tax payers blood. Giving vehicle permit to them is aiming their support in parliament and upcoming elections similar to increasing the salary of public servants. All these done by stealing private employees salary and they get nothing for their contribution. Crime against humanity.

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Volker Metzger Thursday, 16 May 2024 08:04 PM

When you read about the horror stories published almost every day in this country and how the MPs abuse their privileged position without giving a single thought to the struggle for survival of the majority of the people, then for me there is only one person who I trust to clean up this political "pigsty" full of opportunists, conformists and corrupt people and to correct and ultimately save Sri Lanka's reputation in politics (and world politics!)! I don't see any other politician with the necessary character traits, incorruptibility, courage, strength and endurance than Sarath Fonseka!!! He has the personality and leadership skills to be an excellent president!!! But has he too resigned himself to the tasks that need to be solved and the lack of adequate staff!?

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