The decision by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe to order for two luxury bullet proof vehicles, worth Rs. 600 million will be taken up in Parliament, after the opposition, led by the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) voiced their disapproval over the Premier’s decision to go in for such a high-luxury vehicle, whilst slapping the public with new taxes.
Meanwhile, Minister of Law and Order, Sagala Ratnayaka in a statement said that the vehicles were ordered based on the threat assessment to the prime minister, which was communicated by the intelligence. “Since assuming office in 2015, Prime Minister Wickremesinghe has mostly being using his private vehicles as he did not receive any official vehicles,” he said.
According to Ratnayaka, the cost for Wickremesinghe’s two new vehicles were Rs. 128 million only, however the balance Rs. 468 is the applicable government taxes for both vehicles. He added that the decision to order for the bullet proof vehicles were taken after a security assessment was given by the intelligence, which adviced the Prime Minister to travel in a bullet proof vehicle, owing to possible threats to his life, and hence a request was made to the treasury for the release of the funds to order the vehicles.
The Minister also said that the Prime Minister was issued with three vehicles from the Presidential Secretariat, which included a jeep which was manufactured in 2006, while one of the cars that was given for his use were manufactured in the year 2012, and the other vehicle was manufactured in 2008. “There were no importation related details in any of these vehicles, so it was not possible to get them registered. As the vehicles were not in good condition, since January 2015 to date more than Rs. 9.8 million has been spent to carry out various repairs on these vehicles. Under such a situation, Mr. Wickremesinghe often used his private vehicle and he never claimed for the cost incurred from the Prime Minister’s office for using his own vehicle,” Ratnayaka said.
Chief Opposition Whip, and Leader of the JVP, Anura Kumara Dissanayake told Parliament mid this month that while the government was criticizing the former regime of wastage, even the Wickremesinghe led government were wasting money while slapping the public with a revised Value Added Tax.
“The government has requested for the release of Rs. 594 million to order for two vehicles for the Prime Minister. That is almost Rs. 300 million per vehicle. The government is slapping the people with taxes, the farmers can’t sell their crops, the rubber tappers are in crisis, but the Prime Minister has money to buy two vehicles for almost Rs. 600 million,” he told Parliament.
Alfred / May 16, 2016
He has already claimed for his official travel.
He is paid a salary to do a job of work so there is no necessity to pamper him.
Why inclusive of tax?? Is it for sale at a later date??
Aren’t these 2 vehicles more expensive than manufactures market value??
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Antany Peter / May 16, 2016
Why does he need a bullet proof vehicle? He is a friend of the powerful West. It means he is a friend of diaspora and the TNA. He doesn’t have enemies.
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sr / May 16, 2016
Why do these politicians want bullet proof cars?
Instead, they can be given traditional Heneraja Thailaya to make their bodies bullet proof, so that they can be given a Maruthi to go here and there.
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Bunjappu / May 16, 2016
Prior to 2015, nobody asked or sought parliamentary mandate even at the time, lamboginis were tax free imported … even raciing cars were imported to please Rajaakshes sons and rich youth community in the country.
Greater difference is today even if PM should have a Bullet proof car, they are struggling to get that passed. This is the reality of the current govt.
PM must be protected by Joint Opoosition criminals.. so bullet proof vehicle to protect him is mandatory.
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Labbagini / May 16, 2016
Did they find any Lamboginis?
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Samare / May 16, 2016
JVPers now cant get it. they just attack anyone being unable to see nobody is punished yet…. how can the govt do the job, that should be done by independent bodies… under the current context..
.. I have the feeling that the JOint oppostion crimnals are targetting PM and President so that they can easily return to power. Killing them both can speed up their process return to power. At this stage, Ranil should not even ask this much but have it authorised by President can help a lot. Executive powers of the president could better use here… sure, showing the people keeping PM in safe should be seen as above everything.
Higher criminals run by Mahinda can do anything and everything – they are shameless broad daylight criminals.
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Lotuseater / May 16, 2016
Two wrongs don’t make a right. Forget what happened in the Rajapakistan era. This is now. These guys are avowed in anti-corruption and anti-extravagance.
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Lotuseater / May 16, 2016
I’m at a loss trying to figure out what kind of “repairs” cost 9.8 million rupees? I can’t imagine cars bought brand new and used <10 years could have such massive repairs. Maybe the gold plating wore off? Anyway all this is so unfathomabable – they talk of repairs that cost 10 million and new cars that cost 600 million as though they are ordering a pack of peanuts.
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Leena / May 16, 2016
Repairs done at a friend’s garage?
I’m not saying that this particular process was corrupt. But a corrupt officially can easily bill higher for actual repairs, over the course of 10 years
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justice / May 16, 2016
CBK had earlier purchased 48 luxury vehicles and 10 motor cycles costing around Rs. 2.5 Billion without tender procedure for her presidential secretariat.
She also planned a “presidential palace”.
http://www.thesundayleader.lk/archive/20020630/spotlight.htm
The vehicles had been imported through a dealer and not directly from the manufacturers, & the commission would have been substantial.
This Rs. 128 Million is a much lesser figure, if purchases are to be made from related companies/manufacturers – no commission is involved.
If the ‘threat assessment’ is so high, there should be a security contingent too.
Where is this sudden threat coming from?
Will this lead to requests for similar vehicles by others who too are “under threat” in their own opinion?
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Samare / May 16, 2016
But CBK never abused the funds to go to visit the dictators in Africa or anywhere as a former president.
How could that be if she requested funds to visit her missions by the cost of tax payers ? MR would go on laughing.. MR never allowed CBK to speak out during the last 10 years. That is how the bugger et al abused the nation and even former presidents in this country.
Stupid people in this country woudl never filter it .. to separate good from the bad… so long they mix it up everyhting, ntohign good will be towards progress of this nation. We will be stagnated. crystal clear
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Alfred / May 17, 2016
“”But CBK never abused the funds to go to visit the dictators in Africa or anywhere as a former president. “
Her last visit during MR1 reign was to Nigeria- funded by taxpayer.
She has done china many times just like india.- liar to the core.
https://www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/unity-in-diversity-my-personal-experiences-as-head-of-state-of-sri-lanka/
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Sama / May 17, 2016
this cant be .. just check it iwth her secretary. if you may trust the book chaura rajina of that handicaped Viktor, you may have no choice than stay so, but those who knows .. what is being given tot he current regime as statistics will show you but truth. Dont accuse her for anything after her terms is gone.
Now you guys, including Ravaya big mouth, stay both orifices so tight not cirticising the man who looted all the sums. Even more supporting him can lead this nation to all slopes.
Be awake man, mother lanka will then only see you right. May god save this nation from the alfreds.
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SAMUEL / May 17, 2016
That toilet mouth piece – [Edited out]
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Alfred / May 17, 2016
“”May god save this nation from the alfreds. “”
You are as blind as a bat in daylight.
There are no gods even at Uganda to save idiots like you.
I don’t need to read anyone from lanka to establish the fact about wattie amma CBK from the day she seduced Vijaya- that link was to keep the edit out lankan away.
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Amarasiri / May 16, 2016
RE:Ranil Used His Private Cars, New Bullet Proof Ones To Be Debated In Parliament
“The decision by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe to order for two luxury bullet proof vehicles, worth Rs. 600 million will be taken up in Parliament, after the opposition, led by the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) voiced their disapproval over the Premier’s decision to go in for such a high-luxury vehicle, whilst slapping the public with new taxes.”
Ranil W. as a defense og this extravaganza spending can say that the People elected him Prime Minister, and he needs to be protected from Mahinda Rajapaksa, as he want his job, as Prime Minister.
That way, Mahinda and Srisena can eat hoppers together!.
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Douglas / May 16, 2016
Mr. Minister Ratnayake: Who pays that Rs. 468 million taxes on the vehicles to the Government? Is it paid by you or the Prime Minister? This reminds me of my village people describing such actions very briefly but very impressively as follows: “Urage Malu, Urage Pite Thiyala Kapanawa”. Of all the people you are our Minister of Law and Order. Many cheers for your continued excellence.
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BBS Rep / May 16, 2016
If he has not been given an official vehicle as this article says then he should be given one. All the robber barons who pole vaulted to My3’s side have been given official vehicle to ply their corrupt government funded businesses. Why shouldn’t the PM get one.
But the question is why two vehicles. Is the second one for his double.
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Gamarala / May 16, 2016
Providing secure vehicles to Country’s leaders based on the threat assessment is a practice used all over the world.
However the more important issue that should be actively debated is the stealing of govt revenue by elected representatives (MPs) by importing luxury vehivles paying a nominal customs duty – Rs 1750 according to some reports. Specially when over 100 MPs are appointed as Ministers providing official vehicles.
Perhaps CT, as a public responsibility, could expoese this daylight robbery by publishing the Names of MPs along with the model value the normal duty and the actual duty paid so that voters can keep track of these crooks at subsequent elections.
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Logistics / May 16, 2016
Why TWO bullet-proof vehicles – won’t ONE do???
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sarojini: / May 16, 2016
Someone commented that as he is elected by the people he is entitled to have this. Wonder whether people elected him to have two bullet proof cars for Rs 600 milliion! what a joke at the voters expence.!!!
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gadoljini / May 17, 2016
The voters have elected the PM. So ! the let the voters carry the burden. Let the ordinary voter struggle to get by in public transport, count the cost of living, pay taxes, eradicate their daily headaches, so on and so forth, while the politicians roll along in luxury. After all they were voted into power so why should they not enjoy their lives !!!!!!!!!!
Thats why they became politicians, the easiest and most under qualified job anywhere in sri lanka.
RW is entitled to it, he does not care two hoots for public opinion for he is thick skinned like the rest.
Good on you mr. PM enjoy! while the going is good for every day is not christmas.
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sajeevani / May 17, 2016
Yes ! he was elected by the people so he is entitled to all the trappings of luxury.
There is nothing to wonder, and its not a joke, its reality, so stop wondering.
While you are struggling to make ends meet he is silently laughing at the stupid damned voter.
The man is inwardly perverse like the rest and his jokes are at your expense so keep on wondering.
All that glitters is not gold.
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KA Sumanasekera / May 17, 2016
One for the Missus & One for Mangalan..
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The Oracle / May 16, 2016
Why not use the vehicles bought for the Royal Family ? Those cost tax payers a fortune as well .
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Saman Adikari / May 16, 2016
Political corruptions is part and parcel of UNP leader’s that policy makers since it establishment in 1947.Ranil W.. is no exception.
He(Ranil) has posed problems of unusual difficulty of colossal important of wide scope of day to day living standard of People of Sri lankan.
UNP in real power they have formed a bloc with US and Indian- Raw, hence that UNP and Ranil W… see that nothing comes of their own efforts !
How can UNP leader raging against people of Our country?
The masses are still looking for the “easiest” way out through the US and Indian bloc of UNP with the bloc of the TNA and JVP.
But there is NO WAY OUT, under the leadership of Ranil w… of UNP that misrules Governances of growing economic dislocation against which measures are being taken by UNP leader.
Ranil W… of UNP inevitable with representative of US and Indian of a disorderly undermined democracy of system of Parliamentary norms of politics.
Doing all sorts of corruptions he(Ranil.www) blame everything for MR and leading joint opposition.
He(Ranil .ww) used the dirty slanders campaign carried on by dirty mass media, vent their anger on some over major of their policy failures.
UNP and Ranil W… a disorderly the very system of prevailing democracy and its reforms
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Adrian / May 16, 2016
How about making a threat assessment for the people due to the wrong decisions of the Parliamentarians?
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tuan / May 16, 2016
These bastards kill each other to come to Power, for what? To extort the Public through imposing taxes and then live a luxurious life.Who would want to kill PM? Even the opposition dont want him to die.
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Raizuh Langai / May 16, 2016
Why not he asks MR how to buy them bypassing the people’s representatives? We didn’t care all these days. Did we?
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Ajantha / May 16, 2016
Why two luxury vehicles? At lease one luxury and the alternate a normal car is not sufficient? Both Fonseka and Wickramasinghe are in the same boat I believe. Joker Sagala has not realized that taxes are also paid by the poor people of this country. This is the caliber of ministers we have today.
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Barus / May 16, 2016
All the commentators in this forum should thank this government for being able to ask questions about the purchase of cars for the PM. There are traces of democracy existing today.
Was this the situation before January 2016? So, it is well known that our living conditions are a little better now than when the previous regime was ruling this country.
However, that does not mean this government has done what they promised during elections. They are FAR FAR behind in their commitment to the citizen. Hope they live up to their words, or else, by next elections these guys will be shown the door too.
A note to the government: Look at the citizens kindly at all times. And do not tread over their lives and make it miserable for them to survive, by imposing taxes that are unreasonable.
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StanleysDaughter / May 16, 2016
Sagala has to protect his “special” PM. “very special” PM and his upclose and personal relationship. On the other hand, if there are no more LTTE threats why Luxury BMWs with bullet proofing? And on the next hand, WHAT IF there are real threats from losers in the SLFP who are aligned to MR and GR etc? So this is a serious issue. So I say despite my cynicism I support Sagala’s love for his PM and his patriotic duty to support this.
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Ramani / May 16, 2016
Since the last regime has made this country economically weak, why are they not using the same darn expensive vehicles that the previous regime paid our money in the millions and millions for? How about recycling those luxury cars? MR and his entire family had lots of them (at our account) and he had all the bullet proof cars and more than he needed. USE THEM and save us some money.
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Alfred / May 16, 2016
New king and kingsmen is what the 2500 year culture, converts and immigrants vote for.
All new clothes too.
Above all a new way of life that is equaling the arabs that are mimicked.
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san / May 16, 2016
why this donkey cant use all the vehicle’s used by previous PM, and Presidents , they are a big Joke all want vehicles costing millions and people are suffering fro hunger , country is bankrupt with no money , they renting offices costing millions
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Dr.Rajasingham Narendran / May 16, 2016
What happened to the bullet proof cars the previous governments used? why can’t they be used for a year or two more?
I would think every penny is precious in the present circumstances we are in. Should not the PM set an example in austerity? Let the STF and armed forces provide him a security he needs whatever security that is considered necessary.
We need also an account from the government on what happened to all the bullet proof vehicles purchased in the last ten years and who is using them now.
Dr.Rajasingham Narendran
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Pasel / May 16, 2016
We didn’t see or hear about such a threat and arrest made
Then why he needs such a high end cars to him may be a Sri Lankan political culture “enjoy while we are in Power”
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amal perera / May 17, 2016
There is an international flavour to lankan culture just like its language.
Very Southern Sinhala and Islamic too. Lankan society:Monkey the best in the world and leave the rest to the Gods.
In South Sri Lanka, toque macaque society is run by a ruthless class system. Those born into high-ranking families have a massive head-start in life. If a highborn female wants something from a low-ranking female she can take it, literally taking food from her mouth. If the subordinate refuses to co-operate, she risks being beaten by the rest of the troop.Toque macaque troops are ruled by a strict hierarchy in Sri Lanka. The rights to mate should only be held by the alpha male and he spends time recruiting allies to ensure this is the case. However, if a female sees potential in a low-ranking male as a future leader, it is a shrewd move to mate with him instead. Both will face severe punishment from the troop if caught attempting this but it may be the only chance for the low-ranking male to pass on his genes. So as not to raise suspicion, the pair will use very subtle glances, eyelid fluttering and teeth flashing in order to signal their interest to one another. When the alpha male and his allies are not looking, the pair will then sneak off for a quick secret liaison.
While both Japan and Germany of G7 borrowed billions from USA Marshall plan credit and went to work R&D but not to church or temple which did not save their loved ones.
I do not believe in God;
his existence has been disproved by Science.
But in the concentration camp,
I learned to believe in men.
Jean-Paul Sartre
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srinath.gunaratne / May 16, 2016
One hand says there is no LTTE threat!
Another hand asks for bullet proof cars!
Get a Dolphin van and armour plate it like LTTE did!
Could only cost 10 million!
In fact this is what should be provided to everyone who asks for bullet proof cars!
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amal perera / May 17, 2016
You voted the warlords and they shall remain forever.
There is no constitution they do not know of how to enslave the voter.
They lay the rules and you follow or disappear anywhere.
From 1947 America which created Pakistan from others land when it had no business whatsoever is still subsidising Pakistan with the latest weapons and planes- the army never leaves being USA subordinates- it’s all in the billions and Islam. After North Korea Pakistan would go.
Security £ 1 million a month for 2 years was spent on Musharraf at a plush residence at Westminster close to his mosque while he was on exile- all this just after he publicly lambasted Blair in public.
jokes aside it’s the parallel to subic bay therefore the colombo port city exclusive zone. CIA:It may soon become a rendition centre too like thailand is.buddha centre.
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citizen silva / May 16, 2016
He is just another petty politician enjoying the trappings of power by the mandate of the people. Bulletproof or not when his time to go comes round the corner then he will go. Nothing can protect him and those like him. Its a shame, that the money can be used for something worthwhile with regard to the living standards of the people, health, education, transport, etc etc etc.
This shows that the average citizen still does not know the value of their votes and what it does when misused. There is absolutely no difference between the past and present and therefore let the voter carry the burden and feel the pain.
Enjoy your lifestyle Mr PM and make sure you dont regret it when your turn comes for you dont know what the next day will bring you. Good luck to you and your comrades. Have fun. !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Ravin / May 17, 2016
We thought this gentleman Ranil was against all this former MARA extravagance, wanting not one but two Bullet proof cars to protect him?This man has been running around in normal cars all these years and no one has taken a pot shot on him. Get real Ranil Bullet proof cars nor any known method wiil protect you from an assassin. THe President of the U.S John Kennedy was killed with all that security in a Bullet proof car, So was Ronald Reagan shot at outside his Bullet his proof car with all that security. So many VIP have been killed in spite of all the security that a state could provide you a no exception. Don’t loose you head you are not so indispensible.Dont waste Millions of the poor mans money, You Yapalanaya fellows are emulating the sins of the Criminal MARA regime that you replaced. You seem to be doing nothing about corruption nor sent any of the corrupt members of the MARA family and their friends to jail for sins Like Murder and currency fraud among other sins. The Justice system seems to be no better Basil is arrested and released in no time on bail at Matara for some silly property dispute while this guy has amassed millions of dollars in foreign bank accounts, The Yoshitha story is another case of not only currency fraud is that also of murder, and the Police AG. And the Justices all keep postponing the cases till kingdom come. THe case of Sajin VAAS is a real eye opener. This multi dollar millionaire who within 5 years accumulated all that wealth is now with the Yapalanaya mob, and immune, his case now to be heard in September? How can any poor citizen seeing with their own eyes the despicable acts of this new mob go to sleep with an empty somach.
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Saman Adikari / May 17, 2016
The FREE of corruption and Good governance not that new innovation by UNP-Ranil W…rather than through naked power of politics by UNP Neo-liberal or by autocratic rule instead of democratic rule by UNP “policies, its leadership”.
UNP always follow old politics of corruptions in different path and model since 2015 January 9th after came to power by MS’s won mandate.
MS is more or less puppet of US and Indian power manuring.
The US-CIA and Indian-RAW played important of that rulemaking, rule-enforcing and legitimating roles behind Sri Lankan’s nation sovereignty; its ( MS CBK and RanilW..) never became legitimacy independent of US and Indian power that backed MS, UNP-Ranil & CBK them up.
These three in -one combination ( UNP -Ranil MS and CBK) working that would outlast their-US+ Indian political, Economic and Social -of an uncontested hegemony in Indian Ocean Island-sri lanka.
What type of policy shifting under UNP leadership since 2015 January 9th a delicate compromise animated the UNP new regime: allow enough international discipline and progress towards trade liberalization to ensure vibrant world trade and commerce, but give plenty of space for UNP ruling government to respond to social and economic needs NOT at domestic market in home.
By and large US and Indian international economic and financial policy would have to be subservient to national policy objective —–full employment, economic growth, equity, social insurance like free education and free health and state welfare and not the other way around. The goal would be sustainability of capitalism of moderate globalization not that hyper-globalization by benefit of US and Indian Economic hegemony by UNP regime.
Ongoing UNP regime-under the leadership of Ranil W.. TNA and JVP that they turn US and Indian Global rules in effect that become Sri Lankan domestic rules by undermined nation growth and development since last 17 months.
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