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Rs.1,200 Mn for luxury vehicles: GL

10 May 2017 04:27 am - 15     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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At least three supplementary estimates had been presented in Parliament this year seeking approval to purchase luxury vehicles worth Rs. 1,200 million for a number of ministers, deputy ministers and officers, the Joint Opposition (JO) said yesterday.

It said the government was hell bent on enjoying privileges by expending lavishly when common citizens are engulfed in economic crisis.

“The government has no sympathy towards the people who are suffering. According to the 2016 Central Bank (CB) report, the growth rate of the economy had decreased to 4.4% from 4.8% of 2015. The inflation had increased but foreign reserves had decreased. Instead of saving people from the economic plights, the government had resorted to purchase super luxury vehicles for its members,” Professor G.L. Peiris told a news briefing.

He said the latest supplementary estimate which was presented in Parliament on Friday had sought Rs. 329 million to purchase vehicles for five ministers, two state ministers, one governor and a public officer.

“Rs. 43 million had been allocated to purchase a vehicle only for the Prime Minister’s Secretary for Parliamentary Affairs. This was not a post which existed before,” he said.

Mr. Peiris said the government had presented supplementary estimates at two previous occasions this year.

Rs. 371 million had been sought to purchase nine vehicles for ministers and deputy ministers while another Rs. 494 million had been sought at another occasion to purchase vehicles for seven ministers, three state ministers and one deputy minister. (Lahiru Pothmulla)


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  Comments - 15

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  • Bala Wednesday, 10 May 2017 07:45 AM

    Your boss never asked openly for vehcle purchases. He had 1700 vehicles at his Secretariat alone. No one knew. Also your time vehicles were estimated at CIF value only but now these figures include duty at 250% as well. You and Cabaral concocted figures.

    christo Wednesday, 10 May 2017 07:52 AM

    Can you inform the public on your unethical role to get rid of the former CJ to curry favor with the then president?The general public have not forgotten and have absolutely no respect for someone like you....

    dulan Wednesday, 10 May 2017 08:04 AM

    It is amazing how the media is going on an on with this when MR alone misused over 1000 cars and WW gave cars and houses to all his kith and kin

    ANTON Wednesday, 10 May 2017 08:20 AM

    SOMETIMES , WHEN MODI COMES HERE , HE MIGHT STAY IN SRILANKA.

    Demo Crazy Wednesday, 10 May 2017 09:10 AM

    Small wonder they raise hands for anything & support RW policies. via DM Android App

    Vipin B Wednesday, 10 May 2017 09:23 AM

    As an educated person, you should be ashamed of saying this when you were a part of the previous corrupt regime. Anyone else saying this can be understood - but not an academic such as you.Yes spending such an enormous total for the pleasure of politicians is a crime. But you must also practice what you preach. This was a very unethical and dishonest gesture by you. I am sure you may have disappointed many with this remark.

    Dee Wednesday, 10 May 2017 09:26 AM

    You bunch never sought approval. You just went ahead. Even peon types were given cabs belonging to police dept etc. Have been in then that's how we know.

    IVJ Wednesday, 10 May 2017 09:48 AM

    This fellow along with the rest of JO are the ones behind all the chaos in the country. When they were in power, as if they were saints!

    Shelly. Wednesday, 10 May 2017 10:29 AM

    If only GLP helps Govt. to recover the heap of looted wealth by his KING the amount needed here is peanuts. If GL is not prepared to help us he better keep his big mouth shut. via DM Android App

    ceylon Wednesday, 10 May 2017 10:42 AM

    how much spent for mahinda vihicles .over 2000 luxury vihicles for presidential secrerariat. via DM Android App

    Kiris Baba Amaray Wednesday, 10 May 2017 10:48 AM

    GL you have forgotten 4.7 billion per year to only rare 40 dogs for Namal. How is that?

    enjey Wednesday, 10 May 2017 11:09 AM

    I fully agree with Bala. I personally believe that the joint opposition has lost their way and is shouting about sour grapes. You GL, should retire and go home.

    Martin Milton Wednesday, 10 May 2017 11:24 AM

    Some of the comments I read indicate the very sad mindset of the Sri Lankan people. Instead of speaking out in a national minded manner they tend to be personal and favour their 'favourites'. It does not matter who does it, can you people not see this? It is WRONG for the Sri Lankan people to allow this manner of utter wastage of public funds especially when the poor suffer so much hardship! So PROTEST about it instead of making other unnecessary simplistic comments! MM

    wijebahu Wednesday, 10 May 2017 11:43 AM

    all these prices including tax, so they exagirate the cost of vehicles as government is eligible to bring vehicles tax free.but still too much, they should bring prados which are more cheaper.

    Lal.Fernando. Thursday, 11 May 2017 12:38 PM

    This is the most disturbing news i have ever heard.How can these politicians sleep at night, i do not know. Crime rage is sky rocketing in the country, people are with out proper food, kids are hungry, these un educated ministers want to travell in luxury.How can these human beings sleep at night? Do any of them want to travell in luxury know what hunger Is?


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