Alliance for People’s Struggle calls for a fresh probe on passport issue

By Yohan Perera   

The Alliance for People’s Struggle yesterday called for a fresh probe on what they called the passport scandal stating that the truth of the claim made by Epic Lanka that it had signed an agreement with Department of Emigration and Immigration on printing passports is true or false.  

“ A probe is necessary as the Department of Emigration and Immigration had denied the claim made by Epic Lanka that it had signed an agreement with the former.” Alliance for People’s Struggle candidate Pubudu Jayagoda told a press conference.  

“ Epic Lanka  has claimed that it has the right to print passports and claims dollars 1.45 per each passport if the contract is awarded to Just in Time Group which has offered the lowest bid. The extended delay in issuing passports was caused by the court case filed by Epic Lanka, “ he said.  

He said around one million dollars will be lost if a decision is made to make the payment to Epic Lanka.   

Jayagoda recalled that court had ordered that a committee has to be appointed to decide whether to make the payment to Epic Lanka.   

He alleged that Epic Lanka was the company involved in the data scam at the State Pharmaceuticals Corporation.   

“ Epic Lanka  has claimed that it has the right to print passports and claims dollars 1.45 per each passport if the contract is awarded to Just in Time Group which has offered the lowest bid.