The batch of vehicles proposed for import to improve the efficiency of the public service will never be provided to all Members of Parliament at any time, emphasized Cabinet spokesperson and Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa.
Speaking at a media briefing on the cabinet decision held today (11), the minister stated this while responding to a journalist’s question about who would receive the 1,775 cabs proposed in the budget.
As mentioned by the President during the budget speech, the government has decided to purchase these vehicles to overcome the existing transportation difficulties and to continuously carry out development activities in the public service, the minister clarified.
An amount of 12.5 billion rupees has been allocated for acquiring vehicles and equipment for essential services in state institutions, he added.
“The vehicles will not be given next to 225 MPs. Those who already have vehicles from the government do not want new ones. For example, cabinet ministers, deputy ministers, opposition leader, and the main organizer of the opposition, those who already have government vehicles will not be given another,” the minister said.
He further emphasized that vehicles given to MPs must be returned to the government at the end of their term.
Minister Jayatissa strongly criticized the past “vehicle permit” system, recalling that it caused the government significant loss in tax revenue and that most MPs who obtained permits sold them off. “There is a gang that creates ideas to sell these permits. We will give vehicles, and MPs must return the vehicles at the end of their term,” he stated.
Additionally, Minister Nalinda Jayatissa commented on public service issues, saying that out of 75,000 existing vacancies, between 50,000 and 60,000 have already been filled, and the government is working to provide satisfactory salaries to public servants.
