No issue with government officials enjoying perks, privileges: Handunnetti

• Ministers and MPs will not enjoy any perks and privileges as per the mandate 

By Ajith Siriwardana

The government officials have no obstacles to enjoy their perks and privileges such as salary scales and vehicles entitled by them whereas the Ministers and MPs will not enjoy any perks and privileges as per the mandate and the people’s requirement, Minister Sunil Handunnetti said yesterday.   

He told a group of NPP supporters in Matara that the Ministers have not obtained any special  privileges and that they continue to live normal lives.   

“Even though we are ministers, we have not obtained any special facilities. We have not changed our places of living, way of living or food. We are bound to do politics according to the mandate and the people’s aspirations. Leading a normal life is not a special thing for us. It is our normal life,” he said.   

The Minister said the government officials would not be able to make a sacrifice as the Ministers do and added that the government officials are not expected to do so either.   

“The government officials are free to enjoy perks and privileges entitled by them as state officials. But, I request the government officials to perform their duties and fulfil people’s requirements while enjoying perks with taxpayers’ money. We will grant them freedom to do so without any political interference,” he said.