September 27, Colombo (LNW): President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has directed officials to allocate luxury vehicles used by previous governments exclusively for Essential Services, according to his Private Secretary, Ananda Wijepala. Speaking at a media briefing held yesterday (26) at Galle Face grounds, Wijepala highlighted the misuse of public funds by previous administrations and emphasized the need for a comprehensive review of the matter.
A total of 107 vehicles, previously assigned to associates of past governments, are now parked at Galle Face and other locations. Wijepala noted the symbolic significance of these vehicles, which represent the waste of public wealth while citizens have struggled to meet basic needs. Due to the insufficient parking space at the Presidential Secretariat, these vehicles have been relocated.
Wijepala also pointed out the irony of a healthcare system suffering from a shortage of ambulances, while luxury vehicles were distributed to political allies. He assured the public that a full review of the misuse of these vehicles will be conducted, with plans to reassign them to Essential Services to ensure efficient use of public resources.
Additionally, he revealed that 59 vehicles from various institutions had been distributed via the Presidential Secretariat, and despite a vehicle importation ban, 16 vehicles had been brought in for official use. Of the 833 vehicles owned by the Presidential Secretariat, 29 are currently missing, prompting President Dissanayake to order an investigation by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
