By Ajith Siriwardana and Yohan Perera  

Claiming that salaries of Parliamentarians have not been increased for 20 years, State Minister Shantha Bandara yesterday raised concerns that the media had falsely reported that all 225 MPs have requested for the import of duty-free vehicles.  

The Minister told Parliament that the media had reported that the MPs had requested to import duty-free vehicles and refuted reports saying that it was false and said those responsible for spreading such reports should be brought before the Committee of Privileges.  

He said no MP would make such a request when the country was facing an acute economic crisis and farmers were facing serious issues due to the prevailing dry spell.   He said salaries of MPs have not been increased for 20 years and they were managing the situation with great difficulty.