Cabinet has approved a proposal which states that the Prime Minister, Ministers and other officials must pay a sum of Rs. 100,000 to the government per month, if they used state vehicles during the election period.

 

This was announced at a press conference today by the Cabinet Spokesman Dr. Rajitha Senaratne.

 

The Proposal was tabled by Minister of Finance Ravi Karunanayake following an agreement reached with the Elections Commissioner Mahinda Deshapriya and secretaries of political parties.

 

Accordingly if the Prime Minister, Speaker of House, Opposition Leader, Chief Ministers, Deputy Speaker or others utilise state vehicles during the election period, a sum of 100,000 rupees must be paid to the government monthly.

 

Fuel charges for the vehicles during this time will be paid on personal account.

 

The Cabinet has also determined that if helicopters or aircrafts are being utilised, the cost should be borne by the individual.

 

Money for state vehicles should be paid to the Finance Ministry, Provincial Councils or relevant officials. The cost of aircrafts and helicopters should be paid to the respective organisations.