Rs. 101 mn. for Prez’s vehicles Supplementary estimate tabled in Parliament

By Ajith Siriwardana  

The Government yesterday submitted a supplementary estimate in Parliament seeking approval of the House to a total of Rs. 21.4 billion. 

It includes an allocation of Rs. 101 million for the payment of luxury tax on importation of two security vehicles for the President. It also sought approval of Rs.180 million to procure 40 motorcycles to air force to cater to operational requirement involved with the present adverse security situation in the country while another Rs. 90 million to procure 25 single cabs to the air force.  

The approval was also sought to obtain Rs. 6.2 million additional allocations to procure 20 walkie-talkies and related equipment to the President.The estimate was presented by Chief Government Whip Minister Gayantha Karunathilaka. JVP MP Bimal Ratnayake when the estimate was tabled raised a question as to what the two vehicles imported with luxury tax. Chief Government Whip Minister Karunathilaka said either Minister of Finance or State Minister of Finance would explain it to the House.    

It also sought approval of Rs.180 million to procure 40 motor cycles to air force to cater to operational requirement involved with the present adverse security situation in the country