The opposition claims 72 government affiliates including Cabinet Ministers and State Ministers have been acquitted and released from bribery cases since the present administration came into power.
Speaking during a media briefing in Colombo today, Parliamentarian JC Alawathuwala said 72 Cabinet Ministers, State Ministers and MPs have benefited through the decision to withdraw cases citing technicalities.
MP Alawathuwala said despite not fulfilling its promises, the government has managed to save its affiliates from court cases during the past two years.
He said some bribery cases were heard for nearly five years and yet have been withdrawn.
MP JC Alawathuwala noted a group of opposition MPs sought clarification from the Attorney General and the Bribery Commission pertaining to the decision to withdraw cases.
He said however they have not received details apart from the specific court case numbers.
MP Alawathuwala claimed citizens did not expect the government to allow corrupt individuals to be released from court cases and allow them to roam scot free.
On a separate note, Parliamentarian JC Alawathuwala said the government is gearing to impose a 25 percent surcharge on Employees Provident Fund savings of the working class.
MP Alawathuwala said the average Sri Lankans who work tirelessly manage to save through the EPF to be used after retirement and yet, the government is preparing to impose a tax on such earnings.
He said although the government is attempting to portray the move as a new tax on big businesses, it will in fact hit the hard working citizens.
MP Alawathuwala said all Sri Lankans should oppose the move and claimed the opposition is willing to take to the streets to prevent the new tax from being imposed on EPF savings.
