Dilum denies misuse of government vehicles, criticises NPP’s statement on Galle Face

26 September 2024 12:01 am Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 78 Bookmark

CHATURANGA PRADEEP SAMARAWICKRAMA Follow

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Colombo, Septemeber 25 (Daily Mirror) - While condemning the statement made by National People's Power (NPP) member Wasantha Samarasinghe about vehicles abandoned at the Galle Face, former MP Dilum Amunugama clarified that these vehicles were used by coordinating committee chairmen.

He also emphasized that MPs and Ministers had not misused government vehicles.

Addressing the media, he said that MPs and Ministers had already handed over their official vehicles, which are now parked at Galle Face. Making jokes before coming into power is acceptable, but doing so after taking office is not, he said.

He further explained that if any vehicles were stolen, it will be a case of misuse and should be investigated into. However, officially handing over vehicles that were allocated to MPs and Ministers cannot be considered misuse, he said.

Amunugama also pointed out that if the incumbent government intends to walk and work without using vehicles, they are free to do so, according to their own choice. If people expect such actions from the government, it can comply. However, during previous governments, there were no such expectations from the public, he said.

It is unfair to display the vehicles after they have been officially handed over, simply because the former MPs are no longer in power, MP Amunugama added.

Comments - 78

Kirihāmi Thursday, 26 September 2024 12:34 AM

Someone who had the tropane alkaloid courage to come before mics and cameras, undressing for all to see. If the hat fits, sir..., go ahead!

14 42

Danny Thursday, 26 September 2024 03:51 PM

And they wanted more permit to import new vehicles. Phew...

0 0

Danny Thursday, 26 September 2024 12:46 AM

Yes, yes: we all no you are all saints!

8 55

How they roll Thursday, 26 September 2024 12:48 AM

Call a carrot a carrot. Just because it is in a curry it does not change from a carrot to something else. Likewise, NPP is JVP. This is how they roll.

80 27

BanduXX Thursday, 26 September 2024 11:29 AM

This is how they roll and so it should be to stop waste. Brazenness to cover up their misuse of these vehicle for all and sundry - family friends and catchers, by this drunkard.

3 25

Hadam Thursday, 26 September 2024 01:48 PM

If you add bit of butter, sugar and nuts it'll turn into a nice alwa. Indian calls it Gajar Alwa. So we just have add good ingredients to turn JVP to NPP.

3 10

Raja Beedi dancing team Thursday, 26 September 2024 01:59 PM

These guys remind us of propaganda held by Raja Beedi bringing half male dancers dressed as females some decades ago, Very good marketing team of JVP and we see this technique all the time. But the product is nothing but waste, and ultimate loss to the consumers. We have been seeing this from day one of JVP rule, and there are admirers, who applaud.

11 2

roobarbie Thursday, 26 September 2024 02:02 PM

Sounds like a carrot is up your backside mate. Go find the nearest toilet. Stupid fool. Do not understand even when a social and political revolution has taken place around you. Duh!

2 16

C Fernando Thursday, 26 September 2024 09:43 PM

Seems the great social and political revolution hasn't extended to cover civilised exchange of opinions and respect for the opinions of another even if different from one's own. So despite the Great September Revolution, it seems that Sri Lankans are still crude, uncouth louts. So much for the great 'system change'!!

0 0

lion Thursday, 26 September 2024 01:05 AM

Dont talk nonsense we saw how you all behave using government vehicles while in power. We saw how you all went in convoys as you all the owners of this country. you all behave in a manner to show that you stand above the ordinary people of this country. What Wasantha Samarasingha is doing have the blessing of majority people of this country.Keep in mind you will be out this time in the game to enter Diyawannawa.

8 99

Nalin Gooneratne Thursday, 26 September 2024 01:25 AM

Anyone can have only one official vehicle. How can anyone have more than one official vehicle. Can anyone explain how more than one vehicle is used for official purposes. Also the vehicle should be a reasonable one, that the country can afford.

2 77

Pullma Dingalinga Thursday, 26 September 2024 01:29 AM

Someone buy this clown a Mercedes tricycle.

4 59

Nada Thursday, 26 September 2024 01:36 AM

Why is a "former MP" getting agitated? Did you have any official vehicles that was used by you or your family member? Please clarify that. Also that "there were no such expectations from the public" is a blatant lie, public had no say on how the goverenment ran its business. Successive governmenets had vested interest in protecting each other, not stopping corruption or developing the country. Why dont you give the list of vehicles each parliamentarian had instead of trying to making empty statements. We will make our judgement?

3 58

Jagath Thursday, 26 September 2024 02:02 AM

You will be the first to be investigated under the new laws of misuse of public property.

1 62

Aquarius Thursday, 26 September 2024 02:08 AM

If the vehicles were official and taken with proper authorisations, why leave them in an unauthorised parking lot without handing them back officially? This is a perfect example of how things were functioning without any accountability.

1 61

Pradeep Carvalho Thursday, 26 September 2024 02:15 AM

Dilum have you looked up the meaning of the term "misuse"? You are the definition of misuse look it up Please shut up and go into retirement and let AKD make SL great again!

2 55

M Fernando Thursday, 26 September 2024 02:19 AM

The public expected you to travel in a manner befitting the bankrupt state of the country. Instead you guys got around Ranil Seeya to gift you yet another fleet of brand new, super-expensive vehicles. If it were me, I would certainly give you vehicles so your poor, tired feet would not be worn out but I'd make pretty darn sure they were Hindustan's or Marutis. Nothing more.!

1 41

M Fernando Thursday, 26 September 2024 02:26 AM

There's nothing unfair about it ! Mr. Amunugama, dont you know Colombo has a parking crisis. ? We have to park where possible and his sudden previously-hidden bonanza of high-end cars have to be kept somewhere, no ? Earlier there was the government-stores which probably has no more space due to the number of vehicles (duty-free) which were brought down for you and your brother politicians ! Of course, It's terribly unfortunate that the public get to see at least a part of how much luxury RW's and previous government stooges enjoyed, at least in the vehicle sense, when the public has to travel in rickety, dangerous buses. Or is it that some shame or embarrassment has crept into your soul and you would have preferred your activities had remained hidden ?

1 47

බූන්දි Thursday, 26 September 2024 02:38 AM

It's fair to use these vehicles, but it isn't fair to display them. What logic is that! That's a statement made by a man ridden with guilt. Every detail about these vehicles should be investigated and revealed to the public. This could be just the tip of the iceberg of corruption under the previous regimes.

1 46

Voter Thursday, 26 September 2024 02:40 AM

@Dilum Amunugama, as usual always an excuse. Never an action.

1 35

P Kunchithapathan Thursday, 26 September 2024 02:59 AM

Guilty minds falter. Many former ministers have misused government-provided vehicles. It is astonishing that, even in the midst of the current economic crisis, none of them have stepped forward to relinquish their excessive perks; instead, they have taken full advantage. This is the so-called patriotism displayed by our top leaders. Dilum’s recent immature statement is utterly foolish.

1 32

Gotler Thursday, 26 September 2024 02:59 AM

You did not misuse anything but bankrupted the country with Hitler Gota . All innocent saints now

1 31

Citizen Thursday, 26 September 2024 03:07 AM

So riding in petrol guzzlers motorcade with Defender Land Rovers protection both in front and behind is alright? Especially when common man could not even have gas to cook at home? Let me tell you what Angela Merkal when she was ruling Germany would go walking to supermarket as an ordinary citizen would do. People like you are the ones who misused power and brought two tier system in Sri Lanka ie the Haves and the Have not. Bye! Bye for now and we are sure we have seen your back from now. Perhaps count your days before you get to count bars in his excellency's restless house.

1 33

Onlooker Thursday, 26 September 2024 11:34 AM

And the next privilege to be knocked down is your pension. Like the vehicle keep that also behind soon.

3 13

Sampath Dissanayake Thursday, 26 September 2024 03:35 AM

A new joker for new era has born. Congratulations !

6 16

Adwani Thursday, 26 September 2024 04:51 AM

If the President did not make any request, you think, the crooks will return the vehicles. According to Dilum, lot of work is going on in all the crooks home, dropping kids to school, taking their wives for exercise, super markets, etc. Lot of development work is going on, but passports are not available, tourists are waiting in line to get the visas. US Dollar is going higher and higher in ex. rate.

0 23

A citizen Thursday, 26 September 2024 05:19 AM

Amunugama is right in what he says.

38 11

Befair Thursday, 26 September 2024 05:30 AM

His statement is fair on the sense former ministers have handed over the vehicle's. But what the public needs to know is which minister had addtional government vehicles for family use??? That culprits must be highlighted. No need keep emphasising the amount of vehicles. Also as a minister a decent vehicle must he used i don't think there is no harm in that. But misuse with additional vehicles and drivers is something what needs to be investigated

2 16

BanduXX Thursday, 26 September 2024 11:42 AM

"Handed over" because of guilt and requests by Fin Ministry

1 8

Citizen Thursday, 26 September 2024 06:02 AM

This lad seemed so angry when he talked. He is hurt by the anti corruption measures the new government is implementing.. New era of politics has begun..

1 24

Nihal S Thursday, 26 September 2024 06:06 AM

Mate stay quiet at least for a while. You and your leaders have been rejected already for corruption and abuse of power. Tell me who is responsible for these large number of vehicles at public expense. Are you trying to say the development committees were responsible, not the Government of the day?

1 13

The NPP will not abuse state resources Thursday, 26 September 2024 06:21 AM

Yes, talking on election platforms criticising the government and officials is easy. But, once you are entrusted with the responsibility of governing a country, you require resources to carry out a myriad of duties. These vehicles must have been used by officials and MPs all over Sri Lanka. Let us hope and pray that the new government's MPs and officials will use public transport and three-wheelers to come to the parliament and roll out public services.

12 11

Insider Thursday, 26 September 2024 11:50 AM

Correction in brackets: These vehicles must have been (mis)used by officials and MPs all over Sri Lanka including taking kids to school, supermarketing by wife and evening enjoyment. So your extreme view that new officials use 3 wheelers etc. will not help build up a better SL and has been said disdainfully. For offcial purposes, use official vehicle but not abused when no value to taxpayer.

1 6

Perera Thursday, 26 September 2024 06:42 AM

The fact is that these are super luxury vehicles, were bought at the tax payers expense maintained at the tax payers expense and given to who ever who were political cronies of the rulers and their bunch of thieves named as so called chairmen.

1 23

Pg Thursday, 26 September 2024 06:42 AM

Thats where you went wrong People expected you guys to put country before self because we are a bankrupt country General public was not aware that a bankrupt country can afford such luxury. If so they definitely would ve had a problem We font expect anyone to walk to work but enjoying luxury when we were told that the tresury was empty is our problem

0 19

Lawry Thursday, 26 September 2024 07:15 AM

Hillarious now that the cat is out. Cheers Mr. Amunugama you had your time and fun. No one said you are bad.

1 12

Matheesha Thursday, 26 September 2024 07:17 AM

Can you tell us more about the microphones you broke in parliament?

1 26

Athk69 Thursday, 26 September 2024 07:29 AM

It's not only about the number of vehicles, but also their value - can the tax payers afforde such vehicles in a country like ours?

0 17

Mithula Thursday, 26 September 2024 07:42 AM

Your comments are not acceptable. When you were in power you missed power to the max. We the general public could not even go on the road because of your motor parades. Full inquiry needs to be performed and action needs to be taken.

0 16

Tissa Fernando Thursday, 26 September 2024 08:00 AM

Is NPP not going to use these vehicles or are they going to use public transport and waste time. These are not super luxury vehicles, how come all vehicles are parked here are considered as abandoned? Once the position is closed, the vehicles are ti be handed over. NPP is just playing for the gallery. Let us see how they use push cycle for official transport.

26 7

Jega Thursday, 26 September 2024 09:32 AM

I totally agree with your statement. What a foolish statement before checking whether any one has misused vehicle from the lot parked at Galle face. Now they have started to fool the people once again. These 56 million fools will believe anything what they say now until they get landed.

16 5

Amfd Thursday, 26 September 2024 11:20 AM

Ha ha really, land cruiser, land rover discovery, Prado's, Montero's not super luxury? can you define super luxury please. Government officials need to be given vehicles for you to do their duties, but do they need to be give such luxury vehicles. So you are happy to pay tax for them to use these?

1 11

Tissa Fernando Thursday, 26 September 2024 07:00 PM

Since you NPP negative mentality,, you have not seen super luxury vehicles, these are ordinary SUVs, Super luxury vehicles are Porche, Jaguar, Bentley, etc. The old JVP guy is trying to fool the people. Just because vehicles are parked over there, you cannot conclude that these were misused. I am waiting to see how , JVP members travel to parliament, may be using bullock cart, or walk , three wheelers, or push bycivle.

1 0

Antony Thursday, 26 September 2024 11:38 AM

In fact, the same took place when Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa came to power. The only difference was that there was no media circus. I am sure they will continue to use every such opportunity to woe the voters until after the forthcoming elections. Probably after that we may see their true colors.

6 2

BanduXX Thursday, 26 September 2024 11:58 AM

If they were not misused how come 140 govt MPs Ministers used 523 vehicles. The area is wider with every advisor chairman committee member all given these. It is not MPs alone. Even Ministers had 3 or 4 each.

1 10

M Fernando Thursday, 26 September 2024 05:03 PM

Very strange. Only two weeks ago, RW guys were claiming AKD V8 was super luxury.. Today, more expensive vehicles are suddenly claimed by the same people as no longer even "luxury".!!

0 0

My Tax Money should not be misused Thursday, 26 September 2024 08:01 AM

Ok but you can not deny misuse of power. There were over 80 people as advisors warming chairs at the presidential secretariat. They were mainly ex politicos using these resources and getting paid with tax payer money.

1 18

Nihal Dharmatileke Thursday, 26 September 2024 08:03 AM

Why not small vehicles? People didn’t send you humbugs to drive in SUVs to inspect a paddy field or a damaged culvert, foot cycles should be given to you in the coming years .

0 17

Cecil Hedwige Thursday, 26 September 2024 08:23 AM

It is not a necessity to use luxury vehicles for govt work related issues.A double cab is sufficient enoubh

1 17

Prof. M.K. Janz Thursday, 26 September 2024 08:32 AM

Don't conn Dilum Amunugama, Mahinda and Ranil lavishly given 4-7 vehicles for MPs and Ministers. Even the culprit family Rajapakshes were provided more than 8 luxury vehicles with over 200 security personal.

1 20

Not surprised. Thursday, 26 September 2024 05:09 PM

Even MRs kids used govt vehicles with escort.

0 0

W.D. Munasinghe - (Attorney-at-Law) Thursday, 26 September 2024 08:36 AM

Dilum Amunugama, how many vehicles did RW offered? Even for your wife and children Govt. vehicles were provided and the entire cost for fuel, maintenance, drivers were on Govt. expenses. Stop talking bull shit.

1 18

Dr. E. Rodney Weerasinghe - former RW's family doctor Thursday, 26 September 2024 08:38 AM

NPP's statement is correct Amunugama, misusing vehicles started by Mahinda and followed by Ranil. Stop denying the truth.

1 22

Toilet paper Thursday, 26 September 2024 08:50 AM

ANEY AMUNUGAMA TOUCH YOUR HEART AND BRINGS YOUR PARENTS SWEAR THEM AND TELL THE TRUTH. SHAME FOR YOUR PARENTS LET THEM TWO LIVE PEACEFULLY. MONEY MEANS FOR YOUR ALL NO FAMILIES. GOO KANA MINISSU.

1 10

suresh olagama Thursday, 26 September 2024 08:57 AM

after misusing government facilities, you have the audacity to justify the3 actions as well, how dare you?? Can you name the individua's who handed them over?? and the number against the vehicles handed over?? whom are you conning, at least now stop this you are part

1 13

Willamune N B Thursday, 26 September 2024 09:25 AM

to enable public to know if a govt vehicle is being misused there should be some way of easily identified. no plate or govt / corporate logo.

0 5

BanduXX Thursday, 26 September 2024 12:51 PM

Do you know that Public Administration Circular No. 26/92 My No. III/L/104T/1 by Ministry of Public Administration Provincial Councils

1 3

Yogeswaran Thursday, 26 September 2024 09:35 AM

Dilum You and your colleagues used your vehicles on the roads like an ambulance carrying a very sick person who had to be taken to the hospital urgently. You were driving with a police escort blaring their horns, as if you were late for your free breakfast or lunch.

1 13

Sanduni Premadasa Thursday, 26 September 2024 09:44 AM

Amunugama family behaviour is shocking. Cousin Varuni Amunugama and husband made hay while Rajapaksas shine. Uncle Sarath Amunugama didn't conduct himself as expected of a retired Civil Servant holding senior government position. So, these chaps and family should be never allowed back to Diyawanna. Must be investigated thoroughly for any financial misappropriation.

1 10

sam Thursday, 26 September 2024 09:51 AM

People have a right to know the extent of misuse

1 5

Chitral Thursday, 26 September 2024 09:57 AM

Question is. were they handed over in professional matter??????????????

1 4

Antony Thursday, 26 September 2024 11:32 AM

My question to all who made comments against Mr. Amunugama is “ How many of you are going to refuse an official vehicle if you are entitle to it, on ethical grounds” I must say that I am also dead against issue of such expensive vehicles to Parliamentarians or for that matter even to administrative officials. But this has been the practice probably since 1977 if I may recall. That is the truth. Whoever used these vehicles have returned them officially as a mandatory requirement and if any unauthorized person has used any of these vehicles, I do not see any wrong in querying about it. But Mr. Samarasinghe, collectively blaming all for “misuse” and making a media circus out of it, for the consumption of supporters, is totally ignorant and unacceptable. In fact, the same took place when Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa came to power. The only difference was that there was no media circus. Naturally Mr. Amunugama has the right to speak on behalf of all who used these vehicles in official capacity.

7 2

Onlooker Thursday, 26 September 2024 12:57 PM

Yes Mr. Amunugama has the right to speak on behalf of all who used these vehicles in official capacity. Did he ?? - not from reports of his activities in the past. Emphasis is "used these in official capacity". How many did that and how many misused for private work and entertainment.

2 4

M Fernando Thursday, 26 September 2024 05:18 PM

Hundreds of vehicles have been "returned". Such a thing has never happened before. This is why the event is remarkable and attention -worthy. You cannot claim the public do not have the right to inquire, considering this is their money to begin with and being duty free, has cost the country dear. These vehicles should be sold to market at market value, the money deposited in the Treasury. If Hindustan and Maruti cars are good enough for Indian politicians, they are certainly good enough for Sri Lankan politicians.

0 0

prageethw Thursday, 26 September 2024 11:34 AM

who believes him, please dislike, everyone else likes :) we can see how he will lose the next election lol what a loser.

3 3

Alsiten Thursday, 26 September 2024 11:38 AM

This explains how we lost our foreign currency reserves, I live in Sydney and not seen any MPs given such facility except some allowances.. Poor third world country , use the money to have proper railway system like other countries save our foreign currency, pollution and budget deficit.

2 5

sacre blieu Thursday, 26 September 2024 12:16 PM

Those whom the gods want to destroy, first they will make them MAD. He lacks consciousness, and he should not even get near any office of administration.

1 3

Citizens Thursday, 26 September 2024 12:23 PM

You guys are riding in luxury SUV, but general public riding in Nano cab, where is the fair play, atleast now the government should allow replacing these old nano cabs to a decent cars for the general public to ride comfortably for the money paid to pick me or Uber.

1 5

roobarbie Thursday, 26 September 2024 01:57 PM

If Nanos are good enough for the ublic, give Nanos to all these leeches that hangs on to ministers.

1 6

Nimal 1 Thursday, 26 September 2024 12:39 PM

What we see is just the tip of the iceberg. There is no evidence yet of the billions you and your associates have pilfered and plundered and call it whatever you will you have done it.

1 4

Ray F Thursday, 26 September 2024 03:10 PM

Yes, misuse of public property must be found and investigated. But can someone explain what is Wasantha Samarasinghe doing at GalleFace. Dont let cheap propaganda and you tubing spoil the victory of the president.

1 2

Ylg Thursday, 26 September 2024 03:18 PM

Gosh . . What innocent people!

1 1

leena munas Thursday, 26 September 2024 03:46 PM

Wonder who was using the Range Rover for official duties !

0 0

C Fernando Thursday, 26 September 2024 04:23 PM

We will soon see all the NPP Ministers and other officials going about their officials duties using public transport.

0 0

GAMARALA Thursday, 26 September 2024 05:40 PM

Wasantha Samarasinghe is a hero expose all the corruption to the public

0 0

Dilshan Thursday, 26 September 2024 06:58 PM

Does this man ever make sense?

0 0

Wije Thursday, 26 September 2024 10:07 PM

People know who rob the country

0 0

ROHINI Thursday, 26 September 2024 10:12 PM

They made hay when the sun was shining. Now that the sun is no more what are they going to do with the HAY. Let us hope that these self servers have ample time to contemplate and never ever come to power.

0 0

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