• Firstly, we will point out that the move is illegal as LCs have been opened without Cabinet approval

By Ajith Siriwardana  

The National Peoples’ Power (NPP) said yesterday they were going to the Supreme Court against the moves to import 227 Prado Jeeps for MPs, claiming that it was illegal. 

Former JVP Western Provincial Councillor Attorney-at-Law Sunil Watagala told a news conference that the Letters of Credit (LCs) have been opened without Cabinet approval and that it was illegal.   He said Cabinet Paper regarding the import of vehicles had been presented only on May18 and added that the LCs had been opened in April 22.   “The Cabinet Paper was presented on May 18 and it was postponed for the next Cabinet meeting which was to be held on May 24. The Prime Minister said later that the Cabinet Paper was suspended. However, Cabinet Spokesman Keheliya Rambukwella said LCs have already been opened and it cannot be suspended now. These LCs had been opened on April 22 by the Treasury Secretary through the Peoples Bank,” he said.   Mr. Watagala said the NPP was filing a case at the Supreme Court next week seeking an order to cancel the vehicle import. “We will file the case based on two reasons. Firstly, we will point out that the move is illegal as LCs have been opened without Cabinet approval.