The SLTB Lost Rs. 140 Million ByTransporting People To Rajapaksa Rallies
Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL), based on credible information, reports that Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) is facing an estimated loss of a staggering Rs. 140 million due to providing buses for the transportation of the general public to the rallies and meetings organized by the UPFA Presidential candidate former President Mahinda Rajapakse during the recently concluded Presidential election.
TISL have already written to the newly appointed Minister of Internal Transportation Ranjith Maddumabandara about this issue requesting him to obtain the due payments from the relevant parties urgently.
The SLTB currently has an operational fleet of 4600 buses and TISL have evidence that 2400, i.e. half of this fleet, was used for transportation purposes during the Presidential election campaign. On an average 500 to 600 buses were used to transport public to political meetings and on a few occasions as much as 1200 buses were used.
This arbitrary use of SLTB buses meant that the SLTB incurred a daily loss between Rs. 6 to 8 million as was verified by SLTB depot heads. This amounts to a total estimated loss of Rs. 140 million of which only Rs. 25 million have been recovered by the SLTB.
Transparency International Sri Lanka wrote to the former Secretary to the Ministry of Transportation Dhammika Perera a number of times about this matter but to no avail. However due to the massive amount due to the SLTB and the serious nature of the misuse of public resources, TISL insists that the payments due be obtained from the relevant parties immediately.
Today Parliament; Probes On Corruption Will Continue As Planned-None Will Be Spared
January 20, 2015
JHU MP Venerable Athuraliye Rathana thera today assured in parliament that the probes initiated on the bribery and corruption charges against members of the Rajapaksa regime will continue as planned.
Athureliya Rathana Thero
Rathana thera made this statement today in the parliament when it convened for the first time since the election of the new President.
“These investigations cannot be stopped by the Prime Minister, the cabinet or myself. We have already received over 30,000 complaints on corruption. If any of the responsible parties believe it is possible to get away from these crimes scott-free, they are dreaming. The people are watching and we have made a promise and we will see that it is made a reality,” he added.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghemaking the opening statement in the Parliament today said its a historical day in Sri Lanka and said despite the varying political views held by the convened MPs, everyone should collaborate and work together in order to overcome the economical and political crisis the country.
“There are local and international challenges that need to be overcome and to this end, let us all unite and work together and set an example for the future generations,” he said.
The new Opposition Leader MP Nimal Siripala de Silva who made a statement said they hold no reservations about supporting the 100-day program but added it is important for the government to consult the opinions of the Opposition when implementing the policies of the 100-day program.
JVP Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake said they would provide their fullest support for the constitutional amendment that would change the present Executive Presidential system.
