Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe ordered the Treasury today to not release any funds for the importation of new luxury vehicles for several ministers and deputy ministers, and to instead first concentrate on releasing necessary funds for the rebuilding of houses for flood and landslide victims and the Kosgama victims, whose houses were damaged from the Salawa Army Camop fire.
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe
Wickremesinghe’s order comes following a public outcry against the Government’s most recent attempts to purchase 32 high end luxury vehicles for the use of several government ministers and deputies, at a cost of Rs. 1.1 billon.
Wickremesinghe has ordered the Treasury to first concentrate on releasing the necessary funding required for the rebuilding programme and hence for the time being the Treasury should not release any funds for the vehicle purchase.
Gune / June 10, 2016
Ranil, must be feeling the pressure from the peole and might be wanting to back track. Good that he is feeling something these days as he usually never feels anything although I still support the man. But my point is: Floods or no floods, Kosgama or no Kosgama this extravagance should not be allowed at any costs. A developing country like ours does not require such luxury at the expense of the people. Just because we are a third world country our intellect and actions dont have to reflect that of a backward nation.
Let’s be a smart and sensible nation. Too much time has been lost and MR and his regime won a war but sent the nation back by 25 years. Building roads on heavily borrowed money is visual development to hoodwink the masses and not sustainable development. The purchase of these cars can be classified as stupidity of the highest order. Rajitha and John are not the future of this country.
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Samuel Jayaweera / June 10, 2016
iT IS believed that the roads of the island nation have been better today than in the past.
So , some ministers claim that they need 4 wheel motor engines to be able to reach people … while others say it is fine with normal vehicles with no high costs putting on the people.
Anyone with average healthy head would see it that the latter should be the case, ina critical turning point of the economy, left by most abusive president /former MINISTER o ffinance Rajaakshe Governemnt. Whoev er whatever being said anddone proyxy Rpaaajsphses, they abused it to the core.
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Punchiburampi / June 10, 2016
There is a one bigger issue than this new vehicle purchase.
By now as we notice – FORMER president is on a tour where he thought is right .. first to Uganda then to Japan (today).
Even if sky high allegiations against him and his adminsitration becoming cleareer that the man will have to be in jail for the rest of years – for all the crimes commited.. no doubt, all will be clear and verdicted.. by any courts in the future…. the danger is there, this man may be searchign for a safer ground …
why cant current regime take measures agains tthese high criminals. Like taking his passport away. Wimal Buruwanse is a provable criminal… both to be able to leave the country not respecting laws inthe country has become a joke as of now.
Mahinda Rajaakshe is the most abusive man in entire south asia – he has proveed it by all the records since 08th Jan 2015.
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Amarasiri / June 10, 2016
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe
RE: Ranil Tells Treasury Not To Release Funds For New Luxury Vehicle Importation
“and to instead first concentrate on releasing necessary funds for the rebuilding of houses for flood and landslide victims and the Kosgama victims, whose houses were damaged from the Salawa Army Camop fire.”
Yes, people’s needs must come first. Are you listening to the people?
Only after that, can the politicians luxury needs can be taken care of.
Remember, after all it is the people who elected the politicians.
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Don Juan / June 12, 2016
No Mr Amasiri, It is not the people who changed the government. Jon Kerry ,the secretary of state of United States of America is on record saying in Geneva in March last year that US helped the regime change. Then President Obama on his visit to India last year thanked the Indian Leader for helping United States government to defeat the previous government. [Edited out]
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Amarasiri / June 13, 2016
Don Juan Dharmapala,
Not the Portuguese?
Not the people?
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Kuttayan / June 12, 2016
I saw this news item on Sunday Times…
“Luxury vehicles for ministers: Funds were given in April”
“Amid growing protests against the Government’s now-suspended move to allocate a huge amount for the import of luxury vehicles for ministers and deputies, it has been now revealed that the Treasury had transferred the funds in April, while the supplementary estimate was presented last Tuesday.
The Treasury had transferred billions of rupees — including around Rs. 1.17 billion for the purchase of vehicles for 32 ministries — to the relevant ministries, departments and other spending units. The statutory obligation of the Government is to keep Parliament informed within two months of transfer of funds for budgetary support services and contingent liabilities.”
http://www.sundaytimes.lk/160612/news/luxury-vehicles-for-ministers-funds-were-given-in-april-197214.html
Isn’t Prime Minister’s statement a JOKE as funds have already been released to relevant Ministries?
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Justice & Fairplay / June 10, 2016
It would have brought to much credit Mr Prime Minister, had you made this proclamation a few days ago, without waiting for the public to cry out.
That would have been the done thing for sure, and given your background and upbringing, very much expected of you.
Such an action would have garnered much goodwill, even from those who do not like you politically.
Mercifully within your ranks there were three gutsy deputies with a lot of backbone and courage. They too deserve commendation.
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Justice & Fairplay / June 10, 2016
It would have brought to much credit Mr Prime Minister, had you made this proclamation a few days ago, without waiting for the public to cry out.
That would have been the done thing for sure, and given your background and upbringing, very much expected of you.
Such an action would have garnered much goodwill, even from those who do not like you politically.
Suggest you impose a ceiling on the price of a car. I think 10 Million each should be the limit.
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Taraki / June 10, 2016
‘for the time being the Treasury should not release any funds for the vehicle purchase.’
What does he mean ‘for the time being’? He is trying to please everyone. Those who sit on the fence risk being castrated. Be a man and say No to these unnecesary vehicles.
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The Oracle / June 10, 2016
Taraki
Well said . This could well be another attempt to hoodwink the (m)asses .
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Yapa / June 10, 2016
You can easily find over 100 recently imported brand new high end vehicles in various Ministries.These could be repaired/refurbished if really necessary by the agents.Agree with the agents one year warranty, do not make any payment but give them Tax benefits for the expenses so incurred.The difference (1.1 Billion – the Tax adjustment)could now also be given to the victims of the 2 calamities. This will keep the lavishly spending Rajitha et.al happy so that they will not jump to the other side.
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sumane / June 10, 2016
Now that’s brilliant sir,Cars for MPs and Ministers can wait.It’s people first.You need to take these kind of confidence rebuilding steps for UNP to stay alive.Way to go…shake the roots..to show a positive impact.Many more I can think of.
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Analyst / June 10, 2016
HURRAY
MANIACAL OR NOT THE PEOPLE POWER HAS WON.
THANK YOU CT FOR EXPOSING THE GOOD , BAD AND THE UGLY OF THE GOOD GOVERNANCE.
THANK YOU CT FOR ALLOWING US TO RAISE OUR CONCERNS.
THANK YOU. PM FOR LISTENING TO YOUR VOTERS?
THE FELLOW COMMENTATORS AND I DEFINITELY FEEL THE POWER OF THE MEDIA HAS WON.
Pity ! We did not have any chance to express our dissatisfaction during the last “. Cut throat” Rule.
Of course the voters were terrified to write or express,
the media outlets were bought by the Autocratic Ruler to spread Propaganda news only nothing else.
Final demise of his Rule came effective on that fine day of January. 2015.
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Snowden Edward Asange / June 10, 2016
I couldnt have stated it better….
YES we the people won!!!
Pls PM…let this not be a temporary order…but a final order…if the ministers sabotage …relieve them of their post n make them ordinary MPs…whom WE the people will send home….come the next elections….
PEOPLES POWER at work…..
United we stand …divided we fall…
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kumaran / June 10, 2016
In a very subtle way he is saying pay the compensation to the Salawa voters before releasing the funds for the new vehicles. They will pay a few thousand to the folk affected by the explosions and then, the fireworks will begin !!
No, the importation of duty-free vehicles should be banned. The judiciary, the right thinking politicos like Ranjan and the others, the judiciary, the clergy must all raise a loud noise against these vulgar activity. This is something started by the late JRJ and now we have run-away corruption and only the corrupt are attracted to politics.
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Snowden Edward Asange / June 10, 2016
RW seems to be reading the comments on Colombo Telegraph and noticing the frustration expressed by the readers…
He probably read the article n comments of the following link from Colombo Trlegraph..
https://www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/harsha-ranjan-and-palitha-says-no-to-new-luxury-vehicles/
WE THE PEOPLE WHO SENT MR CLAN PACKING HOME .MUST UNITE TO LET THIS GOVT KNOW THAT WE CALL THE SHOTS….IF THEY CANT DO WHATS BEST FOR THE COUNTRY…RESIGN N LEAVE THAN MAKE US SPILL ONTO THE STREETS…
1st agenda..
Lets pack Arjuna Mahendran home ONLY after all monies that was list is repaid…
2nd cancel ALL Duty free permits..
3rd jail ALL looters from Mara regime n get back every cent that had been stolen.
Fellow cimmentators can add yo the list…
Lets unite for a better SL for us and generations to come…
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snowden edward asange / June 10, 2016
Get hold of All the monies stashed away by MR BR GR NR n other goonsThen we wont need to increase vat or any other tax n burden the commoner..
YET. No super luxury vehicles to the SERVANTS OF THE PUBLIC ….AKA..MINISTERS N PUBLIC OFFICIALS..
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moderate / June 10, 2016
This 8s the power of free media facilitating voices of the pepole especially through e-medium!
Politicians beware! This is not yesteryear when you banned the media and blocked Internet! At least today the people have a way to put pressure!
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harry hatton / June 10, 2016
Having led the cabinet that made the decision to buy the cars, being the leader of the UNP which members stand to gain the most from these cars,having ordered a very expensive armoured car for his own use, Ranil also reserves the right to postponing the implementation of the decision and look good ! What a simple minded society this is !
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Silva / June 10, 2016
The Government should construct new houses for all those damaged in the explosion at the Salawa army camp in addition to the Rs. 50,000 per month for a quarter offered by Disaster Management Minister Anura Priyadarshana Yapa.
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Gamarala / June 10, 2016
According to RW People whose houses were destroyed will be paid 150000 (3×50000) and then Ministeres and MPs will be given 35 to 70 Million Vehicles.
More importantly these people distribute TAX PAYERS MONEY as if these are their personal inheritance.
Hypocracy at its best. Only in Sri Lanka
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sr / June 10, 2016
Thanks hon.PM for showing sensitivity. could you please continue to be sensitive.
Politicians should not be given luxury from public funds.
Masses will double the respect they have for you and you’ll be able keep people away from corrupt politicians.
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ramona therese fernando / June 10, 2016
Too late! Ranil’s integrity is in tatters. This should call for impeachment!
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Tamil from the north / June 12, 2016
[Edited out]
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Niran W / June 10, 2016
This is pure, shameless eyewash. How quickly they forget their campaign promises.This lot is no better than their predecessors and will surely reap the wrath of the voters who they are betraying.
How on earth can you justify passing 70 million rupees of public funds (collected from the bulk of the public who travel in jam-packed ramshackle trains and buses) to purchase a vehicle for this lot !
If your run a company this way, it’s a sure way to bankruptcy. No wonder this country is on the edge of insolvency all the time. If you add up how much it costs the general public to maintain all 225 of these rogues, salary, allowances, pensions, offices, PA’s subsidized food (pork), traveling, allowances – a tidy packet it will make.
And how nauseating to see them justifying this without an iota of shame at the Press briefing !
Do your need a Mercedes, a BMW, or a Range Rover to serve the public. Was it not the President of Uruguay who used his own VW Beetle to travel around while the Pope drives a Renault 4.!
Inflated egos at public expense !
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ariyasene / June 10, 2016
Great Mr. PM. Don’t feel bad, the people are with you through thick and thin if
you dare to take people friendly decisions and actions. It all shows from all the positive comments about your good move.
If The President, you and government put the people and the country first, you are unshakable, and the people would be with you for ever come what may. Show the world that there is man who could do things and get things done.
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Shan / June 11, 2016
Please don’t forget this is just a postponement not a cancellation. SF will still get his Benz. Ranil as usual, tries to fool people.
This government, for whatever reason, propose something stupid and backtrack after people protest. How many times this happened???
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Kuttayan / June 11, 2016
This cunning man first allowed the resolution to be passed now tells not to release the funds. This is to cheat public. Release of funds will be done in time to the ministers one by one without the notice of people.
If General public were asked to travel in the public transport to do their day to activities why their servants cant do the same?
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Kuttayan / June 11, 2016
The cost to General Public will not end at Rs.1,100 Million. Where does the money come from? We do not have surplus funds! Therefore we have to borrow Money by issuing Treasury Bonds / bills. Additional cost to general Public around another Rs. 110 Million Annually at 10% Bond Rate!
Do these public servants will use the vehicles forever? NO! They will use it for another 4 years after that they need new vehicles again. Hence what is the annual cost for the vehicles for just 32 Members of the Parliament?
Vehicle cost 1100Mn/4 …. 275Mn
Interest cost 1100Mn*10%.. 110Mn
Cost per annum for 32 Members … Rs. 385Mn
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Common Sense / June 11, 2016
This is all about funding and priorities. We should spend for what is absolutely necessary and to some investments to get returns. Whether a family or a country there are exigencies. The last Government was accused of extravaganza and we want to display that by opening up the Presidential Palace at Fort for public view. But the Palace at Paget Road may not be open for public view, though the White House is open for public view when President is not there.
This government intended to display its extravaganza by starting with super four wheelers. I know as a person who has travelled a lot that some roads outside Colombo are really bad. In fact it is only the few vital roads that were attended to by the Jarapassa Government. But that is no excuse for Extravaganza. If we need specialized vehicles by the bushell, FOR GOD’s SAKE WHY NOT OPEN A FACTORY TO MANUFACTURE SUCH SPECIAL PURPOSE VEHICLES?
Access to rural folk in out-landish localities is essential. But did INDIANS import such vehicles to reach there population who are in difficult terrain? What solutions did they use to solve their problems? As a country we must have a backbone and go for viable solutions which attracts the least cost.
LAST THING THOSE IN POWER MUST DO IS TO BE EXTRAVAGANT WHEN THE COUNTRY IS FACING A CRISIS.
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K.A Sumanasekera / June 11, 2016
Batalanda Ranil has got LKR 700 Mil released for his Armour Plated Beamer ( or is it a Caddilac) together with the LKR 70 Mil for his security advisor, whom the UNP Dr Wije calls” Nattanmiya”
Now Batalanada has pulled this one, to hood wink the masses by announcing that he has told Gallaeon not to release the LKR 16000 Million for Luxury vehicles.
There by pretending to denying Ammata Digital Harin Putha his LKR 90 Mil , Rajith and Son their luxury 4WDS costing around LKR 70 Mil each, and the other whole host of Ministers and Deputies who were planning to deliver Yahapalanaya in luxury.
Rajitha spent nearly 30 Minutes of prime TV time on why he needs a Luxury 4WD to travel in remote areas to check on Dalits before he gives them Yahapalanaya.
The other UNP dude sitting in the Middle said Mahinda had 1500 vehicles.
And had the cheek to ask the Journos what is wrong with him and his mates having luxury vehicles.
When one smart Journo asked why they can’t use the Mahinda Fleet., the so called clever Rajitha said they haven;t been serviced for 20 years.
So much for the UNP bullshit propaganda, which is another story.
Dalits don’t give a shit about Batalanda’s theatrics, because they never voted and never will vote for him.
It is the Yahapalana suckers who are going to take this hook, sink and line.
Galleon will slowly release the money under the table, because he needs the help them Ministers going forward.
Bodhi Sira stopped VAT, Now it is 15 % straight up from 8 .
Wonder whether the Banana Man had an application pending for a Luxury one as well.
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shankar / June 11, 2016
ranil is worried about his 600 million rupee cars.So he has to give cars to others too,otherwise they will point out to him that he is getting more than half their budget.ranil will hope that the public scrutiny will wane over time and quickly release the funds in a flash.The public should be vigilant and make him cancell the whole thing including his bombproof cars.Ranil takes after his uncle the cunning fox,albeit minus the communal disease that JRJ suffered from.
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Saman Adikari / June 11, 2016
UNP-Ranil political talks are base and depend on lies.
He seek and try to correct his mistake by misled majority people by hood wink system of power and rights of democratic.
He promised many but return few by his political carries since 1977!
His politics has no promised that is the type of democracy! Practices by Ranil W….
Ranil. W… of UNP-politics that democracy, no body can judge read well!
That is not his smartness ,but failure of his range of policies.
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roger / June 11, 2016
RW cannot be trusted. He says things which he doesnot mean. Remember what he said about the Portcity project. Mahendran is his friend. You can imagine ……………He is playing for th gallery. He is an old pumkin
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Plato. / June 12, 2016
Relax.There is no need to rejoice!
Duty free for Parliamentarians will commence no sooner the people go to sleep!
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shankar / June 13, 2016
“Ranil Tells Treasury Not To Release Funds For New Luxury Vehicle Importation”
but treasury has already released the funds to the relevant ministries in april before the supplementary estimate was presented to parliament in may.
over to you nagananda.You should be appointed the PM if taking people for rides is to stop.
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BBS Rep / June 14, 2016
Don’t be fooled by RWs statement.
All that he said was to release money first for the landslide and Kosgama explosion vicitms.
Though he did not implicitly state it, the implication is there, that the treasury can release the money to the luxury vehicles after that.
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