Media State Minister Shantha Bandara told Parliament yesterday that media reports claiming that all 225 MPs have requested duty free vehicle permits was incorrect. He further said that even the salaries of the Members of Parliament have not been increased for the last 20 years.
The Minister stated that the media had reported that MPs had requested to import duty-free vehicles and rejected those reports saying that it was false and that those responsible for spreading those reports should be brought before the Privileges Committee.
He said that no MP would make such a request when the country is facing an acute economic crisis and farmers are facing serious problems due to the prevailing dry weather.
He said that the salaries of MPs have not been increased in 20 years and they are managing the situation with great difficulty.
Finance State Minister Shehan Semasinghe said that no MP has requested a duty free vehicle permit from the Finance Ministry. He said news reports to the effect that MPs have requested duty free vehicle permits quoting certain Finance Ministry officials is incorrect.