Millions for SAARC cars - but for whom?

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Millions for SAARC cars - but for whom?

By Shyamajith Fonseka

Doubts have arisen about how much the government has spent to purchase 12 bullet proof cars and BMW escort motorcycles. Its reliably understood that the Government has spent about Rs.960 million to purchase 12 bullet proof cars for the SAARC dignitaries. In addition, President Mahinda Rajapaksa's administration has at various times purchased 31 cars during thelast three years at a cost of US$ 8.6 million. The 12 cars have been bought under the President's and the Armed Forces' financial budgets, sources said. In addition to cars, many brand new BMW motor bikes will also be imported under the Police Department Budget as escort motor cycles for SARRC leaders.
The UNP and other opposition parties have urged the Government to make purchases transparently as they involve mil
lions of public money.
Though UNP MP Ravi Karunanayake asked about all these deals in Parliament, Chief Government Whip Dinesh Gunawardane declined to answer saying that such details cannot be divulged due to security reasons. When contacted, Karunanayake said "We are very doubtful about this deal, because the government is not ready to reveal financial figures citing security reasons. We feel this is a dubious deal". The Government also declined to declare to whom these 31 vehicles have been reserved. Its reliably understood that President has detailed these cars to his close associates including presidential advisor Sajin Vaas Gunawardana.

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