News

All MPs on track to get tax payer financed cars

Published

5 months ago

January 21, 2025

editor

Sri Lanka’s parliamentarians are on track to get completely tax payer financed vehicles instead of the earlier practice of financing their own cars without tax, according to statements made by government spokesman.

“To all parliamentarians, including opposition members, the government will give a vehicle to do their work,” Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath told a late-night talk show on Sri Lanka’s Derana television.

There had been unhappiness at the way politicians and government workers were given tax free and tax slashed cars, in a selective application of the law, when the public had to pay very high taxes for cars and motorcycles.

Unlike other people, MPs are the people who vote to charge high taxes from the people.

The practice started in the 1980s.

The anchor pointed out that the tax payer will now have to pay the cost of the vehicle as well under the planned policy.

It is not clear whether the tax-free, cost-free cars for 225 legislators will also be maintained at tax payer expense.

MPs will also be allowed to buy the vehicle at the end of 5 years at a depreciated price, Minister Herath said.

“When it is a government vehicle, they will not be careful about its use,” Minister Herath said.

“That is a problem with government vehicles. Even if is damaged they will not fix it. If we create a situation where they can get it after the end of five years base on how they have used it, on the valuation they can get it.”

Government vehicles are usually not insured. It is not clear whether the accidents will be repaired at tax payer expense or whether insurance will also be paid at tax payer expense.

National Peoples Power MP Dharmapriya Dissanayake had earlier told reporters that all parliamentarians will get new cars.

If old cars are given there will be complaints that vehicles have different mileage, Minister Herath said.

“We have to give everyone a car equally,” Minister Herath said. “If used vehicles are given there will be a problem. One person is given a vehicle driven for 45,000. The other one is given 60,000. So one MP will say the one was treated this way.

“The government MP was given this and we were given this. That cannot happen.”

Government Minister are usually given tax payer financed cars.(economynext.com)
(Except for the headline, this story, originally published by economynext.com has not been edited by SLM staff)

News

Japan grants US$ 2.5 mn. to SL to strengthen anti-corruption mechanisms

Published

2 hours ago

July 1, 2025

editor

The Government of Japan has granted USD 2.5 million to Sri Lanka to strengthen anti-corruption mechanisms under a 3-year project for Promoting Prosecution of Corrupt Practices through the Establishment of Anti-corruption Mechanism.

Japanese ambassador in Sri Lanka – Mr. Akio Isomata and UNDP resident representative in Sri Lanka – Ms. Azusa Kubota, in the presence of Justice Minister – Harshana Nanayakkara, launched ‘The Project for Promoting Prosecution of Corrupt Practices through the Establishment of Anti-Corruption Mechanism’

The three year initiative is supported by the Government of Japan and implemented by the UNDP Sri Lanka, working in close collaboration with the (CIABOC) and the Ministry of Justice.

The project aims to promote transparency, accountability and integrity in governance and business practices through effective and institutionalised preventive mechanisms in the public and investment promotion sectors, strengthen institutions to enhance corruption related investigative processes, improve coordination with stakeholders and ensure quality of prosecutions, empower citizens to effectively mobilise against corruption and enhance social accountability.

The project also seeks to engage and empower youth, children and journalists to actively contribute to the fight against corruption and promote a culture of integrity.

News

3 ex-DMT officials including ex-commissioner, remanded

Published

2 hours ago

July 1, 2025

editor

Former Commissioner General Nishantha Weerasingha and two other former officials of the Department of Motor Traffic (DMT) have been arrested by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC).

The arrests were made as part of an investigation into vehicles that were illegally registered with the Department of Motor Traffic without receiving proper clearance from Sri Lanka Customs, CIABOC said in a statement.

According to CIABOC, former Commissioner General Nishantha Weerasinghe has been arrested for granting approval to issue a number plate for a jeep.

Additionally, a former Assistant Director of Information Technology at the department and a clerk have also been taken into custody for facilitating the illegal data entry and executing it.

The suspects were produced before the Colombo Magistrate’s Court and were ordered to be remanded until July 08.

News

Ex-Immigration Controller pleads guilty

Published

5 hours ago

July 1, 2025

editor

Controller of Immigration and Emigration – Harsha Illukpitiya, today (July 01) unconditionally pleaded guilty before the Supreme Court in a case related to contempt of court.

The charge stemmed from his failure to comply with a court order related to the e-visa issuance process.

The Supreme Court announced that sentencing will take place on July 24.