According to party sources, the decision was taken after serious allegations emerged that the group had accepted financial inducements in exchange for supporting the NPP’s efforts to establish control of the local council following the recent local government elections.
The matter came to the attention of the party leadership after a Buddhist monk from the area reportedly presented video evidence related to the alleged bribery to Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa. Following an examination of the evidence, the SJB Working Committee decided to remove the five councilors from party membership with immediate effect.
Commenting on the development, Jagath Withana, a Member of Parliament representing the Kalutara District, stated that he had repeatedly informed the party leadership about concerns regarding the conduct of the councilors.
