19 March, 2024

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JVP MPs Import Six Duty Free Vehicles

All JVP MPs including its leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake and the COPE chairman, Sunil Handunneththi have imported brand new Toyota Hilux 4wd Diesel Double Cabs from Thailand using duty free vehicle permits which resulted in the country losing millions of rupees in revenue.

According to the custom’s declaration form, the total tax waived off for JVP Double Cabs which were imported on February 15, 2017 is approximately Rs. 30 million.

Although each MP is allowed to import a vehicle equivalent to US $ 62,500 JVP MPs have chosen to import these Double cabs each costing US $ 19, 820.

Meanwhile in the Writ application filed in the Supreme Court (SC/Writs/07/2016) against the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC), the Public Interest Rights Activist and a Lawyer Nagananda Kodituwakku argues that it had failed to perform the duty vested in it to conduct a credible investigation and prosecute those MPs who have sold their permits, despite first hand direct evidence of selling permits was made available to the CIABOC by him, demonstrating the selling of the MP tax free permits to third parties who had imported luxury vehicles and registered the vehicles in their name at the RMV despite they were not entitled to use the tax free privilege only afforded to the MPs only.

The Petitioner lawyer argues that those who hold office in the Legislature and the Executive have themselves acknowledged their obligations to the People and their duty to preserve people’s rights and privileges, so that the dignity and freedom of the citizens would be assured and a Just, Social, Economic and Cultural Order attained. But their conduct concerning the selling of permits demonstrates patent violation of their Constitutional obligations to the people, effectively nullifying the equality, fundamental rights and the doctrine of Democratic Governance enshrined in the Constitution.

The Lawyer further argues that the unlawful selling of permits clearly undermine the sovereignty in the people and betray the peoples’ trust and confidence placed in the MPs appointed or elected to the Legislature and Executive and such actions violates the law relating to corruption and hence false well within the criminal offence of corruption as defined in the Section 70 of the Bribery Act and therefore seeks the intervention of the Court that is empower to protect, vindicate and enforce the rights of the people [Article 105] of the Constitution.

We publish below the custom’s declaration forms of Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Sunil Handunneththi, Bimal Rathnayake, Nalinda Jayatissa, Vijitha Herath, Nihal Gayappaththi:

Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s custom’s declaration form:

Sunil Handunneththi’s custom’s declaration form:

Bimal Rathnayake’s custom’s declaration form:

Nalinda Jayatissa’s custom’s declaration form:

Vijitha Herath’s custom’s declaration form:

Nihal Gayappaththi’s custom’s declaration form:

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Latest comments

  • 38
    12

    Well done comrades. We always knew you were no different to the rest of the blood suckers.

    • 6
      21

      Power corrupts. Absolute power corrupts absolutely as we saw with Mahinda Jarapassa family.

      All the politicians in Diyawenna Parliament of Moron who have been bribed by Ranil with Duty free car permits are in the same game!

      All those who sold their permits have committed financial crimes against the people of Sri Lanka. Hope JVP has not sold their cars.

      At least JVP has bought cheaper SUV,s but they should have bought Suzuki Altos which are solid study cars for 2 million.

      • 18
        10

        Dinuk

        “At least JVP has bought cheaper SUV,s but they should have bought Suzuki Altos which are solid study cars for 2 million.”

        They should have imported a Tuk Tuk each, on average Tuk Tuk cost $5,700 a piece. Four passengers can fit into a Tuk Tuk.

        I wonder why a party which believes in Socializing/nationalising assets now has changed its mind and believes in private property rights, to own and operate luxury cars.

        Poor Anura, where is he going to stop, people think the party is in overindulgence.

        How can these socialist MPs afford these luxury cars, each at Rs 3,008,874.20?

        They love to have and eat the cake.

        • 2
          0

          “They love to have and eat the cake.”

          You seem disappointed and disillusioned.

          • 8
            0

            maalumiris

            “You seem disappointed and disillusioned.”

            This is not the first time the JVP has shamelessly accepted perks and privileges while advocating piety of their working class ethos(?), good governance, ……… in emotionally charged slogans.

            Some years ago among other hypocrisies I questioned a JVP PC member (representing a council in deep south )their opposition to Provincial Councils while contesting elections and enjoying the perks simply being council members. He justified his representation, though he opposed PCs. He said the JVP contests and participate PC elections in order to direct the business of respective council and at the same time express their displeasure and opposition to all PCs.

            If this is not hypocrisy then what is. The JVP continues to believe in its own blatant lies. Many who believed in revitalised, reformed, restructured, …. newly branded JVP under Anura are disappointed will never ever vote for JVP.

            I tell the puritans to get real, after all JVP too is another racist party of 50 years has not yet resolved its internal contradictions. By the way I was happy when the public racist Somawansa Amarasinghe left the party.

            Somawansa the Sinhala/Buddhist hypocrite in chief is/was an out and out anti Indian who opposed IPKF, Develution of power, Trinco Oil tank lease, Hindian establishment, …. however was smuggled out of this island to Hindia with the help of Kavo’s boys.

            Please don’t waste time with puritans.

        • 8
          0

          OK the JVP student who are ragging and torturing other students because of their class envy and jealousy and who are on the streets protesting SITAM, should first protest the corruption of their own leaders – AK and co!

          Now we know why all the bribery and corruption cases are stalled!

          • 4
            0

            Dinuk

            What else do you expect from a “me first” society and their war against dispossessed?

            You may be right in a limited sense that students/people suffer from class envy however it does not fully explain as to why the middle and upper middle class kids enjoy humiliating and torturing fellow students, which reflects in the society.

            Something wrong with how the society is being organised.

        • 0
          0

          NV, something to be agreed with you, in a while!

          • 1
            0

            max

            “NV, something to be agreed with you, in a while!”

            Then I must be wrong. My apologies.

            • 2
              0

              Sarcasm at its best. An NV style of writing. (Bdw, I know, your comments would not be same, if the above vehicle borrowings had come from Tamil chauvinists in TNA).

              • 1
                0

                max moron

                “(Bdw, I know, your comments would not be same, if the above vehicle borrowings had come from Tamil chauvinists in TNA).”

                Sorry now I need to add an adjective to your name.

                I treat all politicians with utter contempt irrespective of their race, religion, region, gender, …….. sexual orientation, …. etc. They do deserve to be insulted on a regular basis.

                • 1
                  0

                  Again, something to be agreed with you. Back to back!

                  Politicos deserve to be insulted on a regular basis for their utter stupidness.

                  • 0
                    0

                    Can you please enlighten with more information about your mission – which is cleaning records of Rajapkshes ?

                    I wonder why you guys stay away not helping former mafia king getting him succeeded his dreams .

                    How much they pay for your tasks … just for information…

        • 0
          0

          Some good examples who started with JVP basics, with the timee ended up not being able to promote the way they have been.
          Today that big mouth Wasantha Samarasinghe has been little silent – even if the proofs are displayed about the vehicle purchases by them.
          Somawansa weerasinghe and Drama queen Wimal Weerawansa have ended up in all contradictions.

          Wimal Buruwansa has collected wealth – if anyone would investigate them, they can easy get to know how they collected wealth.

    • 37
      3

      — “Although each MP is allowed to import a vehicle equivalent to US $ 62,500 JVP MPs have chosen to import these Double cabs each costing US $ 19, 820.”—
      Isn’t this commendable in respect to general standard of us Siri Lankans? We all, teachers, Nurses, doctors, all gov servants, etc.. usually maximise benefit of this kind of privilege… Aren’t we??? Other politicians and car dealers may say what a waste or foolish thing these JVP MPs have done……. Our Finance Minister, Ravi, imported a 5 Litre Diesel Land Cruiser for the same permit..

      • 1
        0

        Yes, highly commendable AVB. Instead of wasting $62,500 they waste $19,820. But they are still wasting public taxes aren’t they? A good example set by these armchair socialists for others to follow. How many hungry mouths could that money have fed?

    • 7
      0

      I agree. The Govt. unwritten Policy provides this facaility to all M.PP over the last 2 decades and any
      Lawyer crying fowl is basing the States so-called loss as hypothetical? No chnage will occur even by
      going to Courts over and over again. M.PP must and will have to find finances to go for elections and
      this has been the “legitimate” way! Lets deal with straight-foward corruption.

    • 7
      6

      Dear JVP Leaders

      “All JVP MPs including its leader Anura Kumara Dissanayaka and the COPE chairman, Sunil Handunneththi have imported brand new Toyota Hilux 4wd Diesel Double Cabs from Thailand using duty free vehicle permits which resulted in the country losing millions of rupees in revenue.”

      Well done!. Now you have joined your colleagues, “comrades” in the Parliament, and the guidance provided by Mahinda Rajapaksa and the Yahapalanaya, Good Governance?

      Rohana Wijeweera’s Avtar is rolling and rolling….

      Are you guys getting paid by the SLMC and GMOA as well on the SAITM issue?

    • 3
      2

      I am not against them to have bought vehicles this manner since their activities are solely dependent on travels within the country. But unncessary sums to be spent on vehicle purchase could have been managed well at least for a couple of years considering the gravity of econmic crisis the country has faced due to ill management of former administration.
      Anyways, JVP high men such a Handunhetti or the other should change their voices next…. and see in a human manner, just their kind of thinking and only create even more stones being set on their political journey. That Wasantha Samarasinghe is beyond all practical politics. He is attacking one another like in a kindergarten.

      • 4
        1

        Samuel Jayaweera

        Why not Tuk Tuk or three wheeler, the people transport for members of “People’s Liberation Front”?

    • 0
      0

      The question is whether they sold it or are using it ?
      Most of them sold it making a profit.

      • 1
        0

        Kumar

        “The question is whether they sold it or are using it ? Most of them sold it making a profit.”

        It seems nitpicking on principle position?

  • 7
    2

    So, have they been sold to someone else like everybody else seems to have done??

  • 10
    2

    JVP always says that they condemn corruption and abuse of public funds. They also claim that they are committed to work for public good. They claim that they work to preserve and protect public property and also committed to combat all form of Corruption.

    Yet this peoples’ party claimed Rs 100,000/- monthly allowance (in addition to their monthly salary) offered to MPs by Ravi Karunanayake to lure the MPs.

    Another MP Udaya Gammanpila, ‘committed fight corruption’ sold his permit vehicle on the same day (2016-10-25) it was registered (CAU 9559) to Mel Wire Rolling Pvt Ltd. The said company is not entitled to use this tax-free privilege only afforded to MPs. Revenue loss incurred by the government on this vehicle is Rs 33,459,250.00.

    The vehicle imported on Cabir Hashim’s permit and registered (CAW 3992) on the same day (14-02-2017) in the name of its buyer,Dinanja D K Wilikala.

    In the meanwhile talking on this permit abuse to BBC Ravi Karunanayake said ‘allegations’ made against the MPs that they have sold their permits are false and unfounded.

    And the General Secretary and a leading Cabinet of the Yahapalana administration, Kabir Hashim making a special announcement on corruption on 01 Nov 2016 said “the new government of ‘good governance’ will not provide facilities for thieves and corrupt persons to escape law as was done during Mahinda Rajapakse administration”.

    This is the Yahapalanaya Group of Companies at their best. When the lawmakers become lawbreakers country doing down the drain is inevitable.

  • 3
    10

    Suresh,

    No, to me JVP MPs are somewhat cunning. They will use the permit vehicles for a while and then sell the vehicles like other crooks.

    This is what they have done for all the vehicles imported tax-free by them tax-free.

    Like other MPs they sell the vehicle with the tax component, which is the tax-revenue, which should go to the treasury, but these people conveniently appropriate it for their benefit.

  • 4
    7

    I don’t see any difference between JVP cheats and other cheats.

    When those who condemned by the people at the General Election appointed through National List this so-called people’s party condemned it.

    And then forced Mayadunne appointed through JVP National List slot and appointed the JVP candidate Handunneththi rejected by the people though the National List.

    Welldone JVP, make hay while the sun is shining.

  • 2
    4

    Save mother Lanka don’t we have statesmen

  • 9
    3

    At least, in true socialist sense, the comrades have opted for cheaper pick up trucks instead of luxury SUVs &, so far, there is no indication of profiting from the permit. However, they are entitled to sell their vehicles at the end of the stipulated period & still make a tidy profit as no duty have been paid at all. It’s an unfair advantage but it’s all perfectly legal but what is most unacceptable is RK’s blatant denial that permits were not sold despite Nagendra’s documented evidence which shows how arrogant & a forceful lier RK is. As for Hashim, he is just another politician in the gravy train, denying all wrong doings as expected by him.

    What I find most unfair is that it is the average people who have to pay the price with exorbitant import duty on vehicles to recoup the lost revenue from duty free permits. If I am not mistaken, an expatriate is unable to bring his or her not-so-new car by paying a reasonable import duty on the depreciated value, bearing in mind that the purchase had been paid for with foreign earnings & expatriates contribute considerably to the FOREX reserves with their remittances. Why all the privileges are for a selected few? How can this be Yahapalanya?

  • 6
    2

    Supposed to be a poor country ,where politicians are running about in a convoy of luxury vehicles and the poor can’t have a decent meal. Its the opposite in some rich countries where you can find politicians on bicycles and trains. A few years ago in UK ,a former home minister knocked on my day and gave me a leaflet,I was shocked to see him all alone with a pile of leaflets ,will this happen in Srilanka.

  • 3
    3

    So this is what the average Yakko voted for. Now let them eat grass and suffer while the amudey wearers make hay while the sun shines .

  • 15
    2

    In my opinion these 6 JVP MPP are not doing anything wrong . They are not doing any thing illegal or immoral so far in this issue.
    We can agree or disagree with JVP on their political philosophy or agendas. Since they have joined the democratic process zome years back citizens have the choice to vote for them or reject them.
    But in this isssue it is too early to pass judgement on them and casting aspersions. Be fair to them.

    CT enlightening her readers with facts is perfectly alright also.

    • 4
      1

      I completely agree. The price paid for the vehicles are not unreasonable. The true test will be what they do with the proceeds of the eventual sales of these vehicles.

      • 2
        0

        Has CT jumped fast to bomb blast the JVP because of some bias with the party?

  • 13
    4

    Don’t blame JVP MPs. When they get new permit vehicle and sell the older vehicle imported tax free they never steal the tax element. They always pay the tax component to the treasury and never keep it for themselves.

    I believe only JVP, the only honest party doing it.

  • 3
    5

    “Double cabs each costing US $ 19, 820”

    JVP business is not bad.

  • 4
    1

    Kosala, it is hard to believe what you say.

    We want a satisfactory explanation from Anura K. If the JVP pay back the tax element exempted at the time of importation, truly it is commendable and we can say that it a democratic political party that respect their Constitutional Oath to perform the public office honestly and according to the rule of law and the constitution.

  • 3
    0

    Come on Uvindu
    give the due man the credit! They like all government servants are entitled to duty concessionary vehicles! Of course the duty here is zero but we pay a reduced rate! But the cost of all the vehikes a only a little over the cost of the limit for one vehicle for others! After all these are double cabs not luxury SUV’s!

    I am not a member of the JVP! But for their work they need a vehicle and a hardy Toyota in the long term will be better than a rickety Indian one!! They have not got it free! The issue will be: I they sell these??? Then oof course……

    • 2
      1

      gaje

      “I am not a member of the JVP! But for their work they need a vehicle and a hardy Toyota in the long term will be better than a rickety Indian one!!”

      Please let me know the kind of work they do which requires a motor vehicle and how often they use the vehicle to carry out their work? How about Harley-Davidson with sidecars, 3 people can travel?

      What is wrong with Indian ones and why do the people still buy rickety ones?

  • 2
    0

    main problems not use of such permit and get suitable vehicle for use.what majority of corrupted politicians doing first sale the permit and use government vehicles for work.entire their action are corrupted. did JVP sale their permits ? use the minimum level to get suitable vehicles? they had $325,000 permit but use only $100,000/ this mean save tax for country based on $225,000/ if any person is thinking this is wrong decision go to mentally treatment place first.

  • 1
    0

    Native Vedda: The people have and would elect only those who belong to “Elite Club” class of “Thugs”; “Professional Crooks”; “Drug Barons”; “Money Launders”; “Underworld Kin-Pings”; “Deceptive Robed Rouges”; – all of whom must and do commute in Luxury Vehicles with escorts either from the Law Enforcement Agencies OR their own “Army of Thugs”. In the face of this TRUTH, you want JVP to commute in TUK, TUK.. I never expected that suggestion from you. Let JVP also learn and adjust to live in the real world and increase their numbers in the Legislature.

    • 2
      1

      Douglas

      ” In the face of this TRUTH, you want JVP to commute in TUK, TUK.. “

      Why not? Tuk Tuk is people’s transport.

      I thought “People’s Liberation Front” would set an example of how politicians should be living a frugal life.

      I know this is impossible however I thought dreaming for it is not a criminal act of an ordinary citizen.

      Please allow me to dream the impossible.

  • 0
    2

    Apologists for the J.V..P. will now say they are also Kanne Bonne Minisu.[Eating,Drinking people.]
    Altruistic arguments in Parliament. Outside they are no different to the Hum-Drum MPP!

  • 0
    0

    MPs acknolwledge that the duty free car permits are a way for MPs to earn some cash if they don’t have a cabinet portfolio. IT is the people who vote thieves everytime.

    See voters do not know rhese people are white collar thieves. So, they vote and send 225 everyting to keep on stealng.

    How about those in the provincial councils. they also get cars and free tours.

    • 1
      1

      Why TNA MP’s are not accused of vehicle permits like other MP’s. Thieves will be thieves and Tamils will be Tamils.

  • 0
    2

    Sri lanka needs a real good dictator toget the country back on tracks.

    but, it should not another thief as we had.

    SLFP, UNP, JVP and All socialist parties must go. but, writing articles to the blogs won’t work. Educate voters.

    • 1
      1

      If. You exclude SLFP UNP and JVp, only other major party us TNA

  • 1
    1

    Only wish even the four seats that JVP has must go after the next election.

    Kalu diya dahara movie showed the intention of JVPers. I have seen that to my eyes.

    They are their because their parents were poor and they did not know how to get there.

    • 1
      1

      ARE YOU SURE YOU SEEN IT WITH YOUR OWN EYES? NOT THE EYES OF A TEENAGE MONK?

  • 0
    1

    Have mercy on these poor JVP . They brought you Yahapalanaya. Didn’t they ?

    How can you forget that.

    Besides, JVP bought the vehicles And it involves paying some of their own money. unlike the UNP Kid whose parents are prominent members of the Colombo Poodle Club.

    And pocketed LKR 37 Million Yapalalana Tax Payers money.

    Then boasted that he could make LKR 2.5 Million a month, if he was not helping the UNP Yahapalana suckers..

    On a more important issue, wonder what the JVP Prince had to say about collecting truck loads of UNP Ruppias from Alsatian Rajitha’s pup..?…

  • 2
    0

    Instead of blaming the JVP we should praise them for NOT MISUSING the duty free allowance. It is well known that not only politicians but even govt servants misuse the duty free permit privilege and sell them. People who buy these permits are also complicit in these scams.

    If JVP is purchasing double cabs worth $ 20k from a 60k permit and probably use these vehicles for their political work as per the original intention of the permit they do the right thing unlike those selling and buying permits.

    They should be commended for such action specially in a country like ours where most people are corrupt one way or another (inspite of calling ourselves the premier Buddhist country in the world)

  • 2
    1

    JVP MPs action in importing Toyota Hilux cabs is reasonable compared to the imports by other MPs. These are not luxury vehicles by international standards. These are four wheel drive vehicles and particularly useful on dirt roads. As these are double cabs, these JVP MPs can easily accommodate some of their comrades when they go out to their electorates.

    A further point here is that they have not sold their permits but used them to import vehicles for their own use. As MPs, these JVPers need vehicles to move about. You cannot expect them to use Tuk Tuks.

    Look at the TNA MPs like Mavai, Sitharthan, and Sivamohan. They have allegedly sold their permits and made handsome profits.

    • 1
      3

      Naga

      “JVP MPs action in importing Toyota Hilux cabs is reasonable compared to the imports by other MPs.”

      Why not Tuk Tuk or three wheeler the people’s transport for members of People Liberation Front?

  • 1
    1

    A cheap shot at JVP. Who on earth expects an MP to travel in a Three-Wheeler?
    These vehicles probably are the best for travel on all surfaces and roads in the country. The cargo tray is ideal for transporting goods they need to set up stages, boards, banners and placards and even people if needs be. I think this should be the vehicle of choice for all politicians. Government should cease issuing permits and import 225 of these and distribute to the MPs.

    • 3
      1

      Nuwan

      Please use your own brain before start typing. I don’t believe the JVP want you to defend in a manner that actually disgrace the members.

      Let them defend themselves if they a leg to stand on.

  • 2
    1

    So what Do we expect them to travel by busesi or bullock carts. They have purchased the cheaper Hardy vehicles available. Inability to understand the logic in an argument is the bane of our country.

    • 1
      1

      R.M.D.Bandara

      “Do we expect them to travel by busesi or bullock carts.”

      No.

      We expect them not to be hypocrites. We want them to be any other person on the street, remove most of their hypocritical ideology from their lessons, abandon Janatha (People or மக்கள்) from the party’s name, just Vimukthi Peramuṇa, (Liberation Front or விடுதலை முன்னணி) is more than sufficient though there is nothing liberating about their ideology nor their history.

      “Inability to understand the logic in an argument is the bane of our country.”

      Hypocrisy does not lend itself to public scrutiny.

  • 1
    3

    When all the Mp’s can have Duty free vehicles Why Not JVP. They too have to go round the Island and contribute their share of political lies.

    • 1
      3

      K.Anaga

      “They too have to go round the Island and contribute their share of political lies”

      They can still do it while travelling on Tuk Tuk or Auto Rickshaw well suited people transport for members of “People’s Liberation Front”.

  • 0
    0

    Quote – raj : At least, in true socialist sense, the comrades have opted for cheaper pick up trucks instead of luxury SUVs …………………

    nevertheless, their backbones are stronger than that of that Appachchi Malo Soysa in that they have opted less costly and less comfortable vehicles.

    Yes. these can serve the needs of someone else on a later date who are interested in such type of vehicles.

  • 0
    0

    A priest as usual in his Sunday sermon at the church told his faithful that killing, drinking, robbing, gambling and lust are mortal sins and they should strictly avoid them. Then only they can gain a place in heaven. Otherwise they go straight to hell! After returning home and while eating his lunch the priest noticed his favourite chicken dish missing. He angrily asked his wife “where is the chicken curry?” “Oh darling” replied the wife “I thought you lectured to the congregation this morning that killing, drinking, robbing etc are sins and good Christians should avoid committing such mortal sins. I was so taken up with your compassion towards not only humans but also to all other living beings, I let go the chicken I have kept to cook for lunch.” The priest turned to his wife and said “Oh my foolish darling, what I preached this morning is meant for the ordinary folks, it was not addressed for you.” JVP preaching is for the working class people. Not meant for them.

  • 0
    1

    So what.. it will be in the vehicle pool .. good move by the JVP

  • 1
    1

    Don’t JVP. Compared to other MPs the total amount they have abused is nothing.

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