Hiring Helicopters: No payments due from ministers: Ruwan

7 October 2016 03:24 pm - 11 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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State Minister of Defense, Ruwan Wijewardene today confirmed that there were no payments due from any minister or professional for hiring helicopters from the Sri Lanka Air force.

The following is his statement on this matter:

"A front page story of the Daily Mirror on October 7, 2016 says, 'Several ministers, officials did not pay for hiring helicopters.' This is in connection with the answer I tabled yesterday in relation to the question asked by MP Udaya Gammanpila. The news item had implicated several ministers including John Amaratunga, Rajitha Senaratne, Harin Fernando, Sagala Ratnayake, Gayantha Karunatilleka, and Faizer Mustapha and some officials.

"I have to clearly state that this is false. None of the ministers or officials have to pay any dues to the Air Force. All the ministers and officials have paid for their trips. There is no truth in the story that they had not paid. Most of these ministers have accompanied either the President or the Prime minister. Therefore no money is due from these ministers. I would also like to say that we do not invite foreign dignitaries and tell them to pay for travelling by helicopters," the state minister said. (Yohan Perera)

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Comments - 11

Ruwan Friday, 07 October 2016 03:46 PM

Most of these ministers have accompanied either the President or the Prime minister. This is not correct as the other day Navin and Sujith were on a helicopter that almost crashed. The ministers should not be using helicopters as we are still a very poor country!

Madiya Friday, 07 October 2016 04:01 PM

Yes Mr. Minister, the tax (VAT) payers money at work.

Bala Friday, 07 October 2016 04:22 PM

Wrong connection - if they did not accompany PM or HE, then they paid. Do not twist like Modawanse.

Sharon Friday, 07 October 2016 04:50 PM

Can anyone remember the Yahapalana promise??? They promised even the President will not use Helicopters....

dd Friday, 07 October 2016 04:52 PM

presidential excuse via DM Android App

Lanka Banana Friday, 07 October 2016 04:56 PM

It will become due only if it is being billed.

Sofia Friday, 07 October 2016 05:45 PM

Navin and Sajith are not in DM "not paid" list - so they have paid.

Mandy Friday, 07 October 2016 05:47 PM

I think the promise was will not use Helicopters without paying.

Dumbo Friday, 07 October 2016 06:11 PM

I think the promise was to not use for personal rides.

Ramesh Jayaratne Friday, 07 October 2016 07:11 PM

I wonder, with a minister salary, how can they have money to pay for helicopter rides , official or Joy rides

Nethan Saturday, 08 October 2016 12:48 PM

So has that promise been kept?

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Hiring Helicopters: No payments due from ministers: Ruwan

Comments - 11

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