DailyMirror
Only about 60 MPs across the political divide in Parliament had qualified for duty free vehicle permits this time, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Mrs. Sumedha G. Jayasena said yesterday. Mrs. Jayasena said that this facility would not be given to those who obtained such permits during the last five years when they were in the last Parliament or the Provincial Councils.
“Most qualified MPs have already submitted their applications. We will start the issuing of permits to them this week,” she said.
A parliamentarian is allowed to import a vehicle worth US $ 50,000 from the world market under duty concessions.
Besides, the government has also decided to give separate facilities to its MPs who did not hold ministerial posts, and involve them in development work. Under this programme, such MPs will be given offices, vehicles and staff.
“The government wants these MPs to actively participate in development work. That is why these facilities are given,” she said.