JVP slams Govt. for failing to disclose number of vehicles purchased

Thursday, 22 August 2019 00:56 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Govt. requests for six months more after taking two previous extensions

The Government yesterday asked for six months to submit the details of vehicles purchased for Cabinet Ministers, State Ministers, and Deputy Ministers from 8 January 2015, in response to a question raised by the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP). JVP lawmaker Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, rejecting Lands and Parliamentary Reforms Minister and Chief Government Whip Gayantha Karunatileka’s request for an extension of six months to submit the details, said: “This is a question about the vehicles already purchased. It is not about any anticipated purchases.”

According to MP Jayatissa, the records of vehicles purchased are available, and by asking for more time the Government was attempting to avoid replying during the remainder of its term.

“Already the Government has taken two extensions to reply. What prevents the Government listing the purchases made? If it was good to purchase, why not list the information we want? I am not asking about the vehicles stolen from the harbour. The Ministry of Finance allocated money for these vehicle purchases, and the imports were recorded by Sri Lanka Customs,” he added. (AH)