No vehicles imported after 2021; Siyambalapitiya

Rejecting the statement made by an opposition MP, State Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya said yesterday that no vehicles had been imported for state ministers.

While making a special announcement to the media, he said an opposition MP had made a statement claiming that some 239 vehicles had been imported for state ministers.

According to the minister, the opposition MP's statement is a serious charge that has received widespread attention.

"I can responsibly say that only a few vehicles, such as several bowsers to transport water and ambulances and double-cabs required for the wild life department, have been imported to the country back in 2021," Minister Siyambalapitiya said.

He said those vehicles were not imported for personal use. Until now, the country had not imported any vehicles after 2021.

"The Treasure has no intention or idea of importing vehicles into the country where the country is in such a critical situation and as the country has more responsible expenses," the state minister said.

This statement was compared with the expenses for the upcoming local government (LG) election, he said.

However, the state minister said that there is no intention on the part of the government to import any vehicles into the country at this time. (Chaturanga Pradeep Samarawickrama)