Harini responds to Anura’s V8

2 September 2024 03:49 pm Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 84 Bookmark

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Colombo, September 2 (Daily Mirror)- Commenting on NPP Presidential candidate Anura Kumara Dissanayake travelling in expensive vehicles for election rallies, NPP MP Harini Amarasuriya said today the party has to take some decisions considering the security of Anura Kumara.

She told the media that it is important for the NPP to ensure the security of NPP Presidential candidate Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who is to become the President of this country.

Responding to a question on allegations that Anura Kumara is travelling in expensive vehicles such as V8s to election rallies, the MP said the NPP has not misused public money and that the cost is borne by the party.

"People will make various allegations. We have not misused public money. Anura's security is important to us. We take some decisions considering the security of Anura Kumara. Those decisions are not a burden to the people. The cost is born by us. It is no harm to anyone. It is important for us to ensure the security of Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who is to be the President of this country. We will do what is required for his security," she said.

Comments - 84

Voter Monday, 02 September 2024 03:54 PM

It should read if he becomes the president

12 43

Nihal S Monday, 02 September 2024 03:59 PM

Totally agreed. Why no one asks about Ranil Wickramasinghe using public money for his election travel including our air assets?

32 63

Wera Tuesday, 03 September 2024 04:13 AM

Do you expect Ranil to travel on a bicycle? Security does not mean a V8 Prado or Land Cruiser. This has become a state of mind for Stupid Sri Lankans. It is a status symbol every politician aspires to have one. How about traveling in one of our own locally assembled vehicles. Are they less secure? All V8 vehicles should be banned from the roads as they are environmentally polluting vehicles. All government owned ones should be sold off and prohibited from official use.

4 21

Harsha Friday, 06 September 2024 03:47 PM

Its any way a disgraceful reply for them to speak of other using Duty Free Expensive (3 or 4 KM per litre i guess) and bark at others. Same asking SP distributing School equipment, busses, even present expenses for the halls spent Top class gatherings etc for the rural while AKD going world wide fooling the public like he is going by BUS and not Jet Plane. \ Patharaya can you not let the public know who has spent most for the election propaganda and is 1st???

0 5

sam Monday, 02 September 2024 04:06 PM

That is what every politicians says. AKD should have thought about it before accusing other when they were travelling in luxury vehicles

19 63

sarath Monday, 02 September 2024 04:07 PM

what is the connection between luxury vehicles and security

15 58

amaree Tuesday, 03 September 2024 06:43 AM

must be a bulletproof vehicle.

1 8

manoharan Monday, 02 September 2024 04:07 PM

yes a very good decision and I feel his security has to be further strengthened with back up vehicles -Do not permit someone to harm him as we all know the the situation in the country

38 44

Citizen k Tuesday, 03 September 2024 07:22 AM

A man loved by the people as er Harini should travel in a vehicle as no harm will come to him or is it?

4 3

Gamini Monday, 02 September 2024 04:08 PM

"who is to become the President of this country"-OMG what pre posterity

13 46

Fort Galle Monday, 02 September 2024 04:17 PM

Don’t jump the gun Harini.

11 55

Paddy Monday, 02 September 2024 04:19 PM

Ha ha ha.... Are you that much sure? Wait till 22nd of September before making such statements. Leave alone the V8, how about his lavish attire? Is that matches your political ideology? Practice what you preach or keep your sermons to yourselves.

27 49

Lala Monday, 02 September 2024 04:20 PM

For jvp, presidential security detail was a joke and misuse of public money till they themselves becomes the president. What a bunch of hypocrites.

21 46

Liberal One Monday, 02 September 2024 04:21 PM

That means more security has to be provided after he becomes the president isn't it? I thought your guys pledged to take public transportation once elected to office.

16 49

Don Harrison Monday, 02 September 2024 04:31 PM

I am sure that he is a man of humble beginning's but his security is of paramount importance to the whole nation . The rest of the parties must also take the same policy of bearing the cost of transport for politicians. In a bankrupt economy the presidents recommendations to import vehicles for politicians is laughable . They should use public transport taking the example of the Dutch or use bicycles ! Cutting down the public expenditure should start from the parliament also the widening of the tax collection net should start from the cabinet downwards to every citizen . In a digital era it will not be difficult to link the banks , RMV , Inland Revenue and the land registry so the income from taxes to the treasury is maximised.

18 24

BanduXX Monday, 02 September 2024 11:30 PM

Oh great. We all look forward to that Utopia with AKD. Of course their FM to be does not know difference passport and visa while Lalkantha stays at Madiwela in Govt Members houses. Let the fun begin.

0 15

Worried when the same thing happens to them. Monday, 02 September 2024 04:35 PM

When it comes to AKD, you guys have great explanations to justify all your actions as usual. Do you accept the fact that your party is known as the deadliest mud slingers at your opponents? For example, the fabricated stories to bring down certain artists were indeed appalling. Just because someone was not willing to support you, doesn't mean that person should be pushed against the wall. I cannot imagine how you would treat those who are going against you, if your party wins. Try not to adopt Idi Amin's tactics "Either you are with us or against us" It's not going to work.

13 45

Dev Monday, 02 September 2024 04:50 PM

So do your party pay income tax for these luxuries?

13 33

GANGESH Monday, 02 September 2024 04:56 PM

I think it high time, the election commissioner takes it mandatory for the political aspirants and parties to show their proof of income. NPP seems to have a lot of secret admirers who would take the shirts off their backs in a flash. Hope they don't make a your turn and abandon ship like GR Worshippers did a few years back.

10 22

UniDon Monday, 02 September 2024 05:05 PM

chicken come home to roost

10 20

V8 is better than a bullock cart! Monday, 02 September 2024 05:08 PM

This is a valid reason. You cannot expect him to ride bullock cart around the country, or ride a horse like the Lone Ranger! You have to keep up with modern trend!

36 23

Fernando Monday, 02 September 2024 11:35 PM

Have you forgotten that he said never trust people who keep their bum in such super luxury vehicles? My question is, when he comes in the same type of vehicle, does he leave his bum at home?

1 15

Jayampathi Monday, 02 September 2024 05:08 PM

People are eagerly awaiting for Anura Kumara to become President. We want a new person who understands the people's suffering, expectations and who can bring social justice and fairness to all irrespective of their backgrounds. I have voted for UNP since 1948, but this time we are voting for NPP though we love the UNP still. It is out of sheer desperation.

42 25

Onlooker Tuesday, 03 September 2024 08:15 AM

Out of sheer desperation lot of people commit suicide. Hope voting for NPP with their weak leadership in corporate affairs and only theorists as advisors, will not end in that for all of us..

2 9

Srima Costa Monday, 02 September 2024 05:12 PM

Well said sister Harini,people should get worried if they misuse the public money. Malimawa will never waste public money. Vote for Malimava to have a wonderful country.

36 25

Onlooker Tuesday, 03 September 2024 08:19 AM

What about Lalkantha admitting on TV that he is still using the Madiwela house he got as an MP but no more MP now.

0 10

Sajith De Silva Monday, 02 September 2024 05:24 PM

Problem is when others use same type of vehicles

7 30

Wimal Monday, 02 September 2024 05:28 PM

So if elected ever tighter security with bullet proof limousine will be necessary. So what's wrong with the current arrangements?

8 29

Sanga Monday, 02 September 2024 05:28 PM

Great response!

24 12

Gabriella Monday, 02 September 2024 05:34 PM

That may be so Harini. But look at the example of Ibrahim Trarore ( President of Burkina Faso), a man who is a servant of the people, leads by example, and doesn't suffer from delusions of grandeur. The NPP are allegedly a party of intellectuals who have amply demonstrated that "book- smarts" dont necessarily translate into practical application. These pseudo intellectuals are hell bent on losing a unlooseable election.

18 29

Kumar Monday, 02 September 2024 05:41 PM

The man of the people scared of the people!! He is just another politician!!!

13 30

Practical Citizen Monday, 02 September 2024 05:45 PM

The money possessing your party are also taxpayers' money.

11 30

Bernard Jayatilake Monday, 02 September 2024 05:59 PM

Who will become the President is hypothetical and it should be corrected as "if and when he becomes the President'.

7 29

surain Monday, 02 September 2024 06:00 PM

Anura is the same person who question when other politicians traveld by the V8 stating why politicians wants to travel in luxury vehicles so now he is the same person travelling in luxury vehicle so where are your so called socialism

8 30

D P P Prasad Monday, 02 September 2024 06:04 PM

The parliamentarian Harini’s statement is very logical in terms of the NPP leader AKD he is the most favourite candidate whom the vast majority of votes are preferring Hence his security should be overly concerned. The political history very clearly shows that certain politicians are shot dead whilst campaigning for the elections not only in Sri Lanka even in the world. Despite the all criticism and absurd charges AKD’s security should be strengthened in order to avert possible life threats

28 13

warren Monday, 02 September 2024 06:18 PM

Wow! Marxists are preaching to others to travel in public transport while the so-called Marxist leaders travel in V8s for security reasons. Does the V8 used by AKD bullet proof? It seems this is just the tip of the iceberg. What other assets do you have? From where you get cornucopia of funds to finance them? As usual, all funds are from "Sahodarayo", aren't they? Typical Marxist hypocrisy, hoodwinking the masses!

14 32

Dadoriya Monday, 02 September 2024 06:18 PM

Those who criticise this use of vehicles, particularly MPs from other parties, are masters of indulging in excesses at the expense of public funds and taxpayers' money. Their objections are merely the actions of questionable characters engaging in mudslinging.

12 27

Kays Monday, 02 September 2024 06:23 PM

Besides this V8, NPP candidates face appears all over the country like an outbreak of chicken pox. For example, on the road to Hiripitiya through Galnewa NPP election offices stand out on cutouts, posters, and banners every 2-3 kilometers. For a party with a 3% vote base this is impressive. But, in the interest of transparency that the NPP claims it will follow when elected, should not the party immediately reveal its list of donors? Will this signal to voters the NPP's comittment to good governance as all other candidates may only submit this information 21 days after election, as mandated by EC?

7 21

politics Monday, 02 September 2024 06:28 PM

Why do people bother too much AKD ? Ranil, MR, MS and their cohort, have looted public money and Spent millions or billions and yet, do not care about those money, But when people provide AKD any good car for his safety reasons why this fuss about it. Today, the safety of AKD is paramount important: He must have special team of security guards and good protection . Now he is national leader and national asset to celebrate by all 22 millions. people are ready to protect him at any cost. People feel he is only true national leader to protect the national interest of this country. All others are protecting their personal or family interest. Who do you prefer. 75 years of experience is enough. Enough is enough people have decided and the entire world knows this.

18 13

Ini Kamoze Tuesday, 03 September 2024 12:21 AM

If preach austerity then you too need to abide by it else it turns out to be a mud slinging campaign, which the JVP/NPP are quite good at. The old adage of if you repeat a lie a million times it becomes the truth seems suite them well.

1 10

dinesh Monday, 02 September 2024 06:34 PM

i dont think excuses or explanations are needed for a presidential candidate, based on the things politicians of this country have done...and its obviously not state funds...

10 11

Tissa Fernando Monday, 02 September 2024 06:38 PM

Very soon all comrades will be travelling in V8s and will have mansions to live in. Ha ha. Who will pay for that?

10 24

Buddhist Monday, 02 September 2024 06:44 PM

When Ranil is using helicopters why not V8 for Anura?

19 16

Ima Monday, 02 September 2024 06:44 PM

Expectant president needs that vehicle, what would be his vehicle after elevated to high offic

3 12

Nalin Dharshana Jayasuriya Monday, 02 September 2024 06:47 PM

The words "born by us" should be "borne by us". These have different meanings. Please revise.

4 13

sam Monday, 02 September 2024 06:56 PM

RR imported a super luxury Rolls Royce which Anura can use after the 21st

5 12

saman Monday, 02 September 2024 07:12 PM

Well said Dr. Harini. Not one you should have many vehicles that he changes every day and make sure that no one knows in which vehicle does he travels. We are sure that there may be so many volunteers who would offer their vehicles to him.

13 8

MK Ganesh Monday, 02 September 2024 07:43 PM

V8 is not a vehicle brand, V8 engine is an eight-cylinder piston engine in which two banks of four cylinders share a common crankshaft and are arranged in a V configuration. These type of vehicles called Land Cruiser Made by Toyota

2 9

Tr Monday, 02 September 2024 08:10 PM

That's what they all say! Looks like he's no different ! Expect the vehicle convoys to increase !

6 16

Terrence K Monday, 02 September 2024 08:16 PM

Little by little even before the election the true colours of these greedy revolutionaries are reflecting what will be the outcome in the future months as now they are in an illusionary world of catapulting their leader to high office. These fellows cannot deny at the initial stages of their objection before handing nominations they expressed that security was not essential for their leader and they were reluctant having a contingent of Police personnel which was offered by the government to contenders vying for the Presidency. Within a short space of just two months they have changed their tune of security of a V8 what will they do to the promises they made to the general public about various incentives and developing this country which will be empty promises not to fulfilled just to hoodwink the innocent voter like the 6.9 mn who were taken for a jolly good ride by Gota. The is like the Sinhala Movie replayed "REA DANIEL DAWAL MIGEL STARRING ANURA AND HARINI!!!!!!!!

5 13

aby Monday, 02 September 2024 08:42 PM

Where did the party get money from? Feel the pain when it comes to you.

4 13

Piyaras Prasad Monday, 02 September 2024 09:06 PM

The security of AKD should be overly concerned at this crucial juncture certain rivalries may make his life jeopardized.The political history very clearly witnesses that certain leaders have been assassinated whilst campaigning for the election through out the world.Therefore despite the criticism and absurd allegations NPP leader AKD's security should be strengthened

10 10

[email protected] Monday, 02 September 2024 09:29 PM

wrong answer........., this is how everyone start with..... then poor tax payers have to maintain this very very important parliament leaders and members expenses..... because party has to take some decisions considering the security....................

8 14

Piyaras Prasad Tuesday, 03 September 2024 09:32 AM

Dear friend your statement is apparently baseless.NPP members are not relying on the taxpayers contributions like the opposition leader and the incumbent president. Please look in to their campaign as to how they spend the bulk of money on oorganizing rallies and carnivals lavishly

7 2

Try not to whitewash Monday, 02 September 2024 11:26 PM

To all those who are defending AKD and Harini's statements. It looks like you guys are conveniently deaf and blind to the very same thing said by AKD himself. Wasn't he the one who said "not to trust anyone comes in such luxury vehicles"

2 8

V8 Monday, 02 September 2024 11:28 PM

If Harini thinks V8 is security vehicle, then comrades should use a lorry or bus. These party funds are from poor people. Or is it from well wishers? If so, what do you plan to give such people of you come to power? These are the comrades who tells that we will only use double cabs.

3 7

KP Monday, 02 September 2024 11:38 PM

In that case there is nothing wrong of incumbent presidents and other top government officials using an escort. Why did the JVP shout all this time then?

2 8

KP Monday, 02 September 2024 11:39 PM

Expect similar answers once JVP wins. Those who expect things to be different are so naive.

1 8

Navi Tuesday, 03 September 2024 12:34 AM

Does V8 provide a sense of Security??? harini don't engage in what you do not know. or was like the change into Western attire? A sense of importance to face the Leaders of other countries?

2 7

Ylg Tuesday, 03 September 2024 04:17 AM

What's this obsession with v8s anyway? Surely a bullet proof TATA would do.

2 7

ratawenuwen Tuesday, 03 September 2024 05:03 AM

If this is not from public money, why it matters to anyone? No one accused others of using these vehicles, the problem is when it was used from public money, you guys don't care when someone used it from public money but you come to protest someone used it without the public money. First you have to understand any citizen can enjoy any luxury if it's not from public money. Is it a problem for you, if any NPP party members offer a vehicle and fuel for it? Recently sangeeth told, that a person from UK was offering 10 million usd to NPP, but AKD told to deposit it in treasury.

7 2

FredSnR Tuesday, 03 September 2024 05:44 AM

Can't we as a nation concentrate on bigger issues, otherwise how can we develop as a nation , no interest in politics, only the future of the country

1 2

UAli Tuesday, 03 September 2024 06:24 AM

Southern Rhodesia turned Zimbabwe in early eighties after bloody struggle against white domination, then it was called bread basket of Africa or Switzerland of Africa, it had everything including, gold,diamond and many mines of minerals but within next twenty years after independence,it has gone to bankruptcy, WHY, most elected black leaders wanted,same kind of life style followed by super rich whites, for that purpose, they stole government coffers,at the end that god blessed land turned to bankrupt poor country, for SriLanka no difference

0 1

FredSnR Wednesday, 04 September 2024 03:00 AM

Sri Lankans were well educated they were not, lived in Africa during these times, we probably ranked next to Japan in Asia at independence, it was the leadership, divided, no patriots even now quarreling over petty issues, dragging each other down without looking at the road ahead

0 2

Samdun Tuesday, 03 September 2024 06:39 AM

Pathetic Sri Lanka’s always up each others and missing the big picture.

1 1

M Fernando Tuesday, 03 September 2024 06:51 AM

"with us or against us" mantra worked well for many leaders. if it was good enough for George Bush, it's definitely good enough for us, surely ? Idi Amins mantra was "if you are against us, I will have you for lunch".

0 2

jeevester Tuesday, 03 September 2024 08:18 AM

How secure is it to travel in a so called "V8" ??

0 2

Mohamed Adham Tuesday, 03 September 2024 08:30 AM

Ranil Bots working at full pace on this one..................

6 1

Kevin Tuesday, 03 September 2024 08:43 AM

Lol. Funded by friends like his designer clothes.

0 6

M Fernando Tuesday, 03 September 2024 08:26 PM

You DO know most of these so-called "designer clothes" are manufactured in our sunny Sri Lanka, right ? I say he is helping the local economy. More power to him !

2 0

UAli Tuesday, 03 September 2024 08:46 AM

What special security gives by so called V8 other than a Cab? I think it’s only more comfortable nothing else, insecurity is certain if Thajudeen had to die bcz personal rift, NPP challenge is very serious to NR and group

1 1

Dilakshan Seneviratne Tuesday, 03 September 2024 09:18 AM

V8 is a vehicle that can move fast. AKD is not using helicopters like other candidates, not using state funds. The future president needs good security at the present time. Once he is in power, we can be assured to have Law and Order, and security can be reduced. That’s how it is in developed countries and that’s where we aspire AKD to take us. A minority who are getting fidgety are raising these things when there are many more important issues that concern the majority of voters who are suffering. It’s an absolute non issue as state money is not used. So, those sorry mudslingers, stop your rhetoric and focus on policy issues.

7 2

Chandi Kumarihamy Tuesday, 03 September 2024 09:39 AM

The point is, he said not to trust anyone who comes in such luxury vehicles. So I don't trust him.

2 8

Dilakshan Seneviratne Tuesday, 03 September 2024 02:14 PM

Rubbish. He never said that. When and where did he say that? Antagonists always twist things to sling mud. An intelligent person like AKD will never say something like that.

5 1

sunil Tuesday, 03 September 2024 09:49 AM

Security of other candidates are also equally important. So was this AKD chap criticizing others for using similar luxury vehicles

0 4

Andrew Silva Tuesday, 03 September 2024 10:30 AM

Some empty headed people who does not know between security and wilful harm would say Anura should travel in a Morris Minor. He is going to be our future president, his safety is paramount to Sri Lanka. No one can measure his safety with financial savings.

7 2

Luxman Perera Tuesday, 03 September 2024 10:46 AM

Harini and NPP politicians are dumb when it comes to technology. A V8 engine does not make a vehicle more secure. A classic example what happened to Sanath Nishantha when his V8 crashed.

1 6

Haren Wednesday, 04 September 2024 03:25 AM

Same story different Actors. I remember people coming from overseas to vote for Gota. Looks the same drama selling SLT and ..................... entities.

0 3

Dilakshan Seneviratne Thursday, 05 September 2024 06:10 AM

Ridiculous comment. GR and AKD are poles apart. AKD is an intelligent, smart and honest politician. GR had none of these qualities. AKD has brought his party from 3% to 50% now through his organisation and management capabilities. GR depended on Pohottuwa. AKD has a comprehensive policy suite covering 34 areas. GR had nothing close to that. These are only a few examples. AKD and his team are all University graduates and committed professionals with political experience.

4 1

Marikkar Friday, 06 September 2024 03:53 PM

CERTAILY THEY ARE No. 1 where the expenditure is concerned being a bankrupt country. Keep it up.

1 1

Harshani Friday, 06 September 2024 11:34 AM

That means 225 MPs have the facility to use V8 vehicles excluding taxes. Do you’ll have a proper road map annually as well as 5 years for the future of this country? Why not reduce the No of govt servants (1 is to 11) and no of parliaments 225 to 125? If to increase GS salaries, Who or from where are you going to get from?

0 1

Shiiraan Nooramith Saturday, 07 September 2024 12:08 AM

AKD himself critised politicians travelling in luxury V8 vehicles. What is he doing now . What security can you provide AKD by travelling in luxury V8 vehicle ? What a stupid reply from a so called educated NPP/JVP member of Parliament. It only gives comfort to his bum . Typical hypocrites.

0 3

Madonna perera Monday, 09 September 2024 10:22 AM

Who says JVP has all intellectuals. Just look at the comments they do not have any tolerance of opposing ideas.

0 5

Prasad’s Cousin Monday, 09 September 2024 10:58 AM

Biggest Robbery of the Nation is donations to political parties. Neither declared nor tax. You can be a loser forever and earn handsomely by being in the party. You have been funded by India and all the proxy’s. You so called socialism with Prados and V8s costing over 40 ’million each is no different than any previous party. Don’t be surprised after they win they will propose to rename the country Adani Lanka All of you are thieves collaborating and hoodwinking everyone. Country needs a real revolution. Not these killers who have now found a business in politics.

0 3

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