May 13, 2013, 8:11 pm
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It is reported that the Cabinet of Ministers has approved the grant of duty-free car- permits to unsuccessful/defeated candidates at Provincial Council elections.
Is there any rhyme or reason for such handouts? Well, there is. It is to ensure their support for the regime. But should such handouts be so blatantly political?
A Cabinet Paper which involves financial commitments has to get the approval of the Ministry of Finance (M/F). Therefore it has to be presumed that the M/F has approved the handout. Since it has also now been allowed to sell the car-permit the recipient of the car- permit will be able to get anything between 1to 2 million rupees for the permit. Isn’t it open bribery by the government to secure political support?
It is unbecoming of a responsible government to drag the country to poverty and more poverty by such indefensible measures of political patronage at the expense of the country’s well being.
But who will complain? The partisans at home and the world at large will applaud the government in power. Only we and generations to come will suffer. That is the benefit of unbridled democratic rule!
Haris de Silva
island.lk
