JVP slams SUV order

JVP leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake yesterday called on people not to allow their MPs that they had voted in at the last general election to visit their electorates in super luxury vehicles imported against their wishes.

Addressing the people via Facebook, MP Dissanayake said that almost everyone had condemned the government’s plan to import luxury vehicles for the MPs while the people were experiencing severe hardships and shortcomings owing to the raging pandemic.

“The government must stop this project of importing new cars for MPs. This is a time when the government cannot afford to import vehicles for the MPs. Some ministers now tell people that the project could not be reversed because Letters of Credit for the deal have already been opened. An investigation should be held to find as to how and who opened those Letters of Credit without Cabinet approval for the project,” the MP said.

“There are allegations of irregularties as regards the vaccination campaign. There are allegations about corruption in purchasing rapid antigen kits. The vehicle import deal also reeks of corruption.

“This is not a deal only for importing vehicles for MPs. The cabinet paper for this purpose was presented on May 18 at a special meeting and the paper sought approval for opening the letters of credit. Usually, the opinion of the Cabinet for such a paper is conveyed at the next meeting which was held on May 24. Newspapers reported that the proposal to import vehicles for MPs had been cancelled. So there was no no Cabinet approval. I have documents to prove that the letters of credit were opened on April 22. On whose authority were the letters of credit opened on that day? Cabinet approval was sought on May 18. There is something wrong in this process. It is obvious that the letters of credit were opened first and thereafter it was decided to get the approval of the Cabinet. (SI)