Deputy Minister Ranjan Ramanayake has urged President Maithripala Sirisena to take cue from his Philippines counterpart, Rodrigo Duterte and instead of doling out super luxury vehicles at the expense of public money for ministers and deputy ministers, to instead provide them with cheaper vehicles, such as Toyotas.
Ranjan Ramanayake
While agreeing that ministers and deputy ministers require vehicles to carry out their duties, Ramanayake questioned whether it was fair to purchase high end luxury vehicles from public money, especially when the government is trying to revive the country and pay off debts taken during former President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s administration, and while the public too was slapped with various taxes.
“I agree, ministers and deputy ministers require vehicles to carry out their duties, however some ministers have gone to purchase high end luxury SUVs, much to the disappointment of the public. I think we must not utilize the public money to purchase luxury vehicles, especially at a juncture when we are trying to pay off the debt taken by Rajapaksa,” Ramanayake said in his letter addressed to Sirisena on June 20, 2016.
Therefore, taking into consideration the current situation in the country and the financial issues Sri Lanka is facing, Ramanayake advised Sirisena to follow the style adopted by the Philippines President where instead of purchasing luxury vehicles for the use of ministers and deputy ministers, steps be taken to provide them with a mid-range vehicles. “The government will not even incur a huge burden to maintain these vehicles,” he said.
Ramanayake added that if the President seriously considers this, it will cost the government only a fraction of the funds that has been set aside already for this purpose, while the balance money can be used for a better purpose.
In early June, the government sought parliamentary approval to purchase 32 brand new luxury vehicles for the use of several ministers and deputy ministers at a cost of Rs. 1.1 billion.
Mid this month, Philippines President, Rodrigo Duterte announced that he will replace all the luxury sedans with Toyota Avanzas for his cabinet members, as part of his austere style of governance. (By Munza Mushtaq © Colombo Telegraph)
KA Sumanasekera / June 23, 2016
How can, the Elite Sinhala Buddhists , Anglicans and the LGTB Faction of the UNP call this “Thing” one of their budding Leadership Team?.
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Sinchuappu / June 23, 2016
Why cant they buy a better brand of Punnaku to turn them for goody by the millions being spent for cars. Sure, before they become average good thinkers, they should change their way of thinking. That can only be expected through better intakes. Transport is secondary and the country has enough vehicles – no more new vehicles will be needed. Meeharaka ruined the nation by running amok of his style – Rajaakshes should be accutable for all the high problems that we face today. War is no longer there, but people stay torn as no other times before. War victory was a story won by collectivity, however, their men painted the piture as naive majority would stay believed that Rajakaashes were the magical powers. Same Rajaakshes being uanble to shape up it in the aftermath of the war end… proves their ablitities. Country before the everything was a slogan only, but inthe reality, their pockets filling were the top of agenda.
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Lankan / June 23, 2016
Sumanasekara,
Does your animosity stem from the incident where the ‘thing’ took a shot at
one of the chief rogue allies(Aluthgamage) of the Medamulane Mee Haraka?
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Sanchay / June 23, 2016
your buddy and clan imported luxury sport cars to their sons and nephews and have turned the cities into race tracks… and some nouse son had also small aircrafts inhis posession.. where are they all now. Sumana have you forgotten all that already. How could you call this “Thing” one of YOUR budding Leadership Team.
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thrishu / June 23, 2016
LOL, it seems Ranjan’s arrow has hit the target. Now we know what kind of bribes have been given to KAS the scribe.
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Sunil / June 23, 2016
While ministers and deputy ministers using cheaper vehicles is a good idea.
Deputy Minister Ranjan Ramanayake be careful who you use as an example! Rodrigo Duterte is not a good example at all!
Dont forget Rodrigo Duterte made a joke and said he ‘should have been first’ in the rape of Jacqueline Hamill by prison inmates!
“They raped all of the women … There was this Australian lay minister … when they took them out … I saw her face and I thought, son of a bitch, what a pity … they raped her, they all lined up.
“I was mad she was raped but she was so beautiful. I thought, the mayor should have been first.”
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/apr/19/philippines-apologises-rape-comments-rodrigo-duterte-jacqueline-hamill
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bo / June 23, 2016
Nonsense, don’t take Dutarte’s slang literally to heart. It is his figure of speech; he has a wife too and is a former public prosecutor.
Sri Lanka is now a country without proper law and order, even judicial officers and law enforcement officers are in the game, doing what they want instead of keeping the country in line with the law. We need someone like Dutarte to fight fire with fire, take all the corrupt politicians and public servants out of their commissions and shoot them at dawn. Need a leader with a backbone and determined to cut out the cancer in our society.
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kumaran / June 23, 2016
Lead by example. If the President, Prime Minister, Ranjan Ramanayake and a few others set the ball rolling, then it will be easier for the voters to take the “belt tightening”. I remember seeing the late President Premadasa going about in his Austin A55 when he was Prime Minister, the late Dr. N.M.Perera in his old, Japanese Toyopet Tiara, etc. This business of getting new, luxury vehicles for Ministers started with JRJ, got very popular during the later terms because that was the way to “pacify” the “ministers”.
Lead by example.
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Sama / June 23, 2016
Whoever what ever being spread, there are enough vehicles to do the transport for MPs or Ministers. Vehicle transport tot he country should fully be banned.
At least for another 3 years. Colombo traffic jams are due to surplus of the vehicles. Ministers should not get more vehicles just 2 woudl be fine to go for a number of asturity program for the sake of Economic crisis. Sacrifices should be there, if the nation really want to see a common goal – progress. Let any ballige puthas to demand it, no more vehicles should be purchased for the ministers or anyone. That way, all the vehicles go missing can also be found since the focus should then be given more.. to find them…
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Sam Fernando / June 23, 2016
Please Ranajana, be careful, and these men can even kill you seeking silence.
You are top quality whole hearted person. More of you should be in the country to go against all high corrupted profiles.
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Backlash / June 23, 2016
Indian cars/jeeps are far cheaper. Their parts available fairly freely.
Of course, the sophistication and gadgetry of German, Japanese, Korean vehicles will be lacking. Worst still, for the Brokers and middle men in this luxury-car sale racket, the open market value is nothing to write home about. Hobson’s choice, for sure.
Backlash
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Gamarala / June 23, 2016
These comments by Minister Ramanayake will not be very popular with his colleagues.
However we the general public must appreciate these comments and vote him with the highest number of preference votes at subsequent elections and SEND A VERY STRONG MESSAGE TO POLITICIANS WHO STEAL PUBLIC MONEY.
UNTIL AND UNLESS VOTERS HOLD POLITICIANS ACCOUNTABLE THEY WILL CONTINUE TO STEAL. People should also stop depending on politicians for favours and handouts. We should learn to stand up on our own.
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Amarasiri / June 23, 2016
Dear Deputy Minister Ranjan Ramanayake,
RE: ‘Be Like Philippines President, Buy Ministers Toyotas’ – Ranjan Ramanayake Tells Sirisena
“Deputy Minister Ranjan Ramanayake has urged President Maithripala Sirisena to take cue from his Philippines counterpart, Rodrigo Duterte and instead of doling out super luxury vehicles at the expense of public money for ministers and deputy ministers, to instead provide them with cheaper vehicles, such as Toyotas.”
Thank you.
After all there are a few deputy ministers with Common sense and high enough IQ to understand the current situation.
Senior Ministers, Prime Ministers and Presidents appears to be like scum,rising to the top of the muck, as the scum will rise to the surface.
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Sengodan. M / June 23, 2016
Very good initiative. Let us hope it will ball roll and gather momentum. Leading politicians should set examples to others! Otherwise, the country will never progress!,
Sengodan. M
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Alahakoon / June 23, 2016
How simple is this truth? How deceptive and self liars are our leaders? How our leaders live with their consciousness? Most unfortunately, general public would forget this simple truth in a week…
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Deja Vu / June 23, 2016
Well said, Ranjan. Surely the President and PM understand this?
It is high time these so-called Ministers are treated like the regular people they have been elected to serve. What’s so frigging special about them that they should get all these unheard of perks like free massages and other ridiculous freebies?
It’s the same old shit that we were trying to get away from!
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HL Seneviratne / June 23, 2016
MP Ramanayaka,
How public spirited of you! Isn’t it better not to provide vehicles at all for MPs at public expense? Most, if not all of you own vehicles. How about using them? Or you can use public transport like MP W. Dahanayake did when he travelled from Galle to Parliament daily by train.
MP Rajitha Senaratne recently justified MPs getting free luxury vehicles on grounds that they have to travel on bad roads that makes four wheel drive vehicles essential. If the roads are bad, how about improving roads instead of building highways for the rich? If an MP genuinely finds road conditions impossible for travel, they should be provided with the facilities to borrow a suitable vehicle for the purpose.
MP Senaratne other MPs who cannot serve the people without luxury vehicles, you should be ashamed of your lies and hypocrisy. Everybody knows that you simply want luxury vehicles at public expense for your high living and show off.
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Native Vedda / June 24, 2016
Prof HL Seneviratne
” How about using them? “
And claim mileage allowances from the state only for that part of official journeys at a fixed rate, if they can be persuaded to maintain a log book to record all relevant,necessary and verifiable trips for the purpose of carrying out their vocation as MPs or minister.
This can be extended to state officials too.
If those politicians do not own vehicles, the state could provide loans at lower rates of interests or use three wheelers which much cheaper and efficient
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BBS Rep / June 23, 2016
I really like this bloke Ranjan Ramanayaka.
He was one voice which was heard clearly and loudly against the MARA regime when the MARA mafia were running riot. At a time when people like Ranil maintained a mouse like quietness. He took on Mervyn Silva at every opportunity when Mervyn was at the height of his power. I hope amongst the maelstrom of utterly corrupt, vindictive, inept, deal making, despicable politicians that we keep breeding, Ranjan would prove the difference.
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Seelawathie Jayasinghe / June 23, 2016
No body in the team would risk his as Ranjan does.
But he will have more enemies than friends, since majority of people are more pro corrupted nature.
I wish this man all the best… Mother lanka needs the kind of brave men.
Budursanai for you Mr. Ranajana Ramanayake. Yours is a profile… open to anyone.. Youth will have to learn from you Mr. More of you could make it for sure.
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Gramberg / June 23, 2016
THis is the finest piece of advice President Sirisena would ever receive as long as he is in power.
It might inconvenience that long of tooth and short of sweet smelling breath Rajitha – the con doctor, who wants a 4 wheel drive or nothing, but this government and this country can do without such types as Rajitha, has amply proven. Do without his son as well, come to think of it!
Ranil should do well to have the likes of Ranjan R in the front row, instead of the fossils that now occupy it.
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The Oracle / June 23, 2016
Our very honourable politicians some of whom could hardly afford a three wheeler before politics , now want the absolute best – at our expense. We are a nation of sitting ducks.
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Nagananda / June 23, 2016
Yesterday I met Wimal Weerawansa in the Supreme Court and I inquired him about the possibility of buying a tax-free permit issued to MP for a ‘reasonable price (these permits are issued absolutely tax free).
Weerawansa told me that with the recent increase of import tax on motorcars, the price tag on MP tax-free car permits have gone up sharply.
Most MP permits have been already sold and there is a very few available in the market each for 25 million rupees or more.
Buyers of these permits are allowed to import any vehicle of their choice absolutely free from any import duties. I have already warned the motorcar importers who spend huge sum of money to buy these permits.
Surely there will be a Supreme Court action against this gross abuse of government tax revenue within the next couple of days seeking the issuance of a mandate to recover the total tax element defrauded from those who sold these permits in the market.
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thrishu / June 23, 2016
Interesting! Booruwansa told you this? Did you have the wit ask him, for how much he sold his permits when he was slaving away for his master when they were in power?
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Lion / June 23, 2016
Ranjan you must be truthful of what you say.You will succeed if your motive is correct.The whole country will be behind you if you genuinely campaign for this un necessary expenditure while millions millions are fighting to have 1 square meal a day.People like Rajitha should be ashamed to campaign to have very luxury vehicles for them to enjoy.JVP should work hard to stop this menace of vehicle mania.Puravasi Balya of Prof Wijesuriya while doing a yeomen service get this government in to the correct path should take notice of this vehicle madness.
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Dankottuwa Manike / June 23, 2016
This guy was silent during Mahinda regime. Wimal Modawanse, Champika, Gamanpulle etc., enjoyed the luxuries in addition to Mahinda’s family network.
Even Grease Yakka had a luxury car. From where did the white vans come from.
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MsMaralathoni / June 23, 2016
Dankotuwe lalitha, you should have been reborn to add the kind of lines.
Ranjan has always been so active… there was nobody to compare to his profile. Please get the facts right before going to attack the gentleman. Thank you. Greetings from Sunny Rome
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thrishu / June 23, 2016
Everyone was silent in Mahinda regime, except his inner circle family and the 3-fake princes. They all lived in mortal fear of loss of favor and perks or at the other extreme in mortal fear of the white vans and being a chopped-up meal for the killer sharks or piranahs kept by a goat. The only one with some balls was MS, but disappointingly, now through RW’s conniving I think he has also being bought out by MR.
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Sama / June 24, 2016
I have no idea about you – we the coming from Galle -In our childhood days, to keep us the kids silent, parents or older ones were used to say ” onna yaka enawa”. ” be careful devil will turn up”. the kind of feeling accompanied with almost everyone during the second term of Mahinda Rajaakshe. People had no idea but to surreder their white van abductions. We have not forgotten the way his naked abusive front men how they ran after people- how they tied them to tree stems… how those stone throwers of Hambantota attacked Ajitha Perra and his colleagues visiting Hambantota. What was Mr Medmulana doing was nothing but even droped more hurteful from his cesspit ( like the visiting UNP fact finding mission was attcked – he shamelessly added, it was just because visting ones had provoked those thugs.. that is why they reacted so) No matter anyone of ape miniha did wrong, he was defended… most known was that Tangalle rapist… he was one of the family friends of Rajaakshes.. can you remember guys ?
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jayantha Atukorala / June 23, 2016
Hello Mr. Ramanayake,
It seems to me that you are the only voice in whole Sri Lanka for the mass.Please continue to expose those corrupt politician and corrupt methods.
Thaanks
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RuwanL / June 23, 2016
excellent suggestion and we should all get together and force the President to implement it as soon as possible!
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Punchiburampi / June 23, 2016
Risking his life, for his own wishes, he continues his work. Ranjan should be a great person. He declared his assets, he even went further not careing what his own team colleagues could feel, made a big voice against buying luxury cars for them. He really has a big heart as no usual politicians of the day.
I commend you Ranjan – why cant we have YOU the like in lanken politics -going back to the history, even if they pretend to have good thoughts, being born buddhists, many of these men including those BAD MOUTHed Aluthgamages or Wimal Buruwanses, they are no doubt true men to represent the folks. Majority of the population have to struggle for their 3 meals. But calling us as MID INCOME EARNING nation, to let ignore the wishes of those majority folks who are really in need is a greater curse. I hate the way, when get to read about lanken politics, being stagnated not moving forward the pace we are used to see on the west. Anyways, the current regime has succeeded a lot, though still nothign to be seen as tangible. People have no good memories, which is clear to anyone. They dont care about safeguarding basic human rights. No matter even their own ones or neighbours woudl have been abducted, tortured, raped or etc… they should just feel their life is fine. Unil they are faced it, they would not care about the folks or others… That is the selfish culture that previous Regime has sowed in this country – looking at the manner people behave this is becomign very clear. No grateflness is there even if number of daily needs are cheaper than in the days of MR et al, petrol charges are held much cheaper, but 4% VAT charges are imposed for a temporary period. All in all, this govt is proving themselves that they could do lot more if the support is given. Unlike the days of MR, ministers are accutable for their duties. Did we hear their voices during the days of MR ? No only about GOtabaya the most abusive and aggressive person to represent us andhis brother Mahadanamutta but a person who directly invovled in high profile fund abusing… however, knowing all these – current regime has failed to catch them by horns by now is a greater disadvantage for them to go forward in the days to come.
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Oma Yang / June 23, 2016
Great advise. But the so called leaders have been pampered and the toys cannot be taken away.
Don’t worry your governments clock is ticking. Remember the people voted you in and certainly can vote you out.
Do what you promised bring us justice you folks promised.
What would happen to me as an individual if I stopped paying taxes? As am disgusted to see how my hard earned money is wasted.
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Parakrema / June 23, 2016
Why not establish a some hierarchy in allocating Duty free funds starting from president, Primeminister Cabinet ministers & deputy ministers etc up to the Local govt ministers in a declining scale. And these vehicles cannot be sold or transfered for 5 years.
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Ralahany / June 23, 2016
I used a Toyota Camry for 15 years without any problems and switched to a Toyota SUV three years ago. These are very durable and hardy vehicles, reliable and good on gas. Sri Lankan Politicians should be encouraged to use these vehicles as it would cost less than $30,000 per vehicle. Those who want to use a bit more comfortable vehicle could use the Lexus SUVs which will cost a little lest the $50,000.
Sri Lanka is a developing country, and most people live below poverty level. Sri Lankan Politicians should therefore set an example, and not use pressure on the government to grant them luxury vehicles for their day to day use.
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Mudson Silva. / June 23, 2016
One shot fame Ranja is risking his own life. He took on the Meeharak Jarapaksa and the ali baba and 40 thieves without any fear. Although he may be not popular among his colleagues, we must ensure that he wins the next election with the highest number of preferential votes. Prior to the January 8th revolution Ranja and few others openly criticized the former medamulana war lord openly when most of his other colleagues were dead silent in fear of reprisals. Way to go Bro!!
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Simon De Silva / June 23, 2016
Contrary to this ACTOR- turn politican, that Anthony from Jaela, barked loudly as he could calling Mahinda as the living KING. Since then only naive men and women started to put Mahinda on their altar and worhsip for all he has done. But those who knows well… the collectivity succeeded the war. More than the impression because of war victory, they the men paitned the picture going that exaggerations… in the end today, brainwashed men adn women do think the man should be magical…. even if his men appointed by him grabbed funds as no other leaders allowed. Even today, whatever commission or the body is appointed to do the job, nothing tangible have been found about billion grabs alleged to have been the case by MR adminstraiton,he openly challenge to go kiling himself, if a dollar woudl have been taken by him. :: But that peacock palace is also said to be a deal between ASP liyanage and the governt to keep the funds intaht way…. what was not abused by Rajaakshes is the question those professionals raise today. Mode to all high profile crimes Rajaapskehs were the front hand. All in all, what we need is the truth finding… for rajpakahe administration than the the war today. Thease are post war issues, but his abuses have gone beyond all margins. It is high time to build up a truth finding committee to punish them… TFC to Rajaakhes abuses.
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Sinchuappu / June 24, 2016
That Artist Jackson Anthony should be a hurensohn to do the job that… way thinking it was a film premier. That was a stadium he held the speech with all walks of people in.
Knowing almost the majority are easily manipulative. The Raja king etc were the titles gave by these ballige puthas to MR so that he thought he is the one and only and lost his control over him. To be honest, he was a mad man in his second term not knowing the basics about human rights.
Even southerners today heared questioning ” ane balanda me aya Mahinda mahathayata korana jathi – see how these people treat Mr. Mahinda “. No body knows that so called Mahathaya looted or allowed looters to do the job as nothing could stop.
Many in dakuna has lost their properties not knowing who and what was behind them. I know myself how my father was deceived by bunch of thugs getting all the acres of property he had gotten.
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asker ali / June 23, 2016
Ranjan is a great guy. In the recent past he even took on the case of the hapless housemaids who suffer at the hands of the uncouth arabs who get them to slave all day and wash their toilets. He is fighting for the rights of the underdog and the common man at great risk to his life. Take care Ranjan and may the triple gem bless you.
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srinath.gunaratne / June 23, 2016
Only sensible thing I heard from this man!
Stop running around with a file in your hand like a tail burned monkey,
Read and understand how other good democracies work and pioneer these kind of practical things!
PS
Whether you achieve this from Sirisena/Ranil, Your guess is as good as mine.
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Leelawathie / June 23, 2016
First ask about you ve been sensible to nodd your head further to Rajaakshes and his goons.
Then try to get Ranajan or others what they have been doing actually.
You as a retired person living in the UK should know it better… Mr Sirisena has reduced the costs 50% – if I may remind you bastard… At the time he took to the office, Meeharaka had been abusing all the funds for unencessary expenditures.
Today PM is proved to use their funds when foreign travels are teh case.
Please try to be honestto you before going to criticise current rulers. That can then help your family…. even if you have lived in a democracy, proved always, learnt nothing sofar… saddest truth.
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Samuel Jayaweera / June 24, 2016
What do you mean by being sensible – I have never read anything pro good goverance added by you.. as many of the fools did, you also blindly supported Rajaakashes or any goons.
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Mark Anthony / June 23, 2016
Alas! we have only a handful of politicians in the likes of RR.
To me he is a mediocre actor (my opinion), but a genuine politician with a finger on the pulse of the common man. He is making a genuine attempt to ease the burden from the people of maintaining a huge cabinet of rapacious and crooked ministers.
It is shameful of the dentist with the big mouth to say that ministers need expensive powerful vehicles to travel in the hill country. If this is his argument, then him being the minister of health, he can easily make do with a ordinary vehicle as there are only basic dispensaries and no hospitals in hill tops, other than hotels.
RR will be thorn in the side of all the buffoons on both camps. Bravo! RR
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Simon De Silva / June 23, 2016
Dentist has lost his true values since he made the statements in favour of purchase those cars. One way it is right them the need getting to a place quickly, but we are in srilanka – we are not in the US.. and the fact roads are better today than had been before. So we dont want Rolce royce to show off…. work is work.. they should deliver according to the salaries they are blessed with.
No young politicians of UNP would want to sit with bad mouth Rajitha – since that is not their opinion. Rajitha was like that at the time, Meeharaka started his corrupted admistration.. those days, Rajaitha was attacking anyone but not Rajapakshes. Went on licking until his tongue would not do the job- not being hit by Rajaakhes only he made boomeranged. thought that helped the revolution of 8th Jan 2015, but he was not alone. All the synergies of folks were there, to do the job.
So there I respect Rajitha to some extent, but not that much.. he is too corrupted as had been former allies of Rjaakspehs. I called him at that time, not being able to listen to him, he is no dentist but an aural patient. THAT IS literally the truth:
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Udara / June 23, 2016
Yes Ranjan your Sirisena is so considerate about public and he too given Toyota vehicles to his ministers.Land cruiser also Toyota vehicle.Why you are complaining?
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Merril Fernando / June 23, 2016
How about taking the public transportation or a bicycle?
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roz / June 23, 2016
Mr president and the priminister should be ashamed of them selves for Continuing corruption and gonna make a history of their name under the corrupted list.There are people with no basic house these fat cats wants luxury to travel about. Can anyone imagine how worth there houses be..All from public money.. Shame on both of the leader. It’s a shame there’s no one to over look their expenditures.and question them.it’s worse than beggars on the streets and rogues trying to eat and drink from the public.day time robbers
Mr deputy minister you should take over one day as we can see u are not one of those greenish men who want to sit n eat from other persons plate..
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