Health Minister and Co-Cabinet Spokesman Rajitha Senaratne said that it was not fair to compare Ministers of European countries with Sri Lankan Ministers as the ministers in Europe do not have to travel around.

Speaking to BBC Sandeshaya on the plans to buy vehicles at a cost of Rs 1,180 million for a number of ministers, he said that MPs have to attend various functions in their districts. Ministers on the other hand, have to travel around the country, Senaratne added.

He reiterated that a four-wheel vehicle is needed to travel in some roads in Sri Lanka.

Senaratne also said since ministers need to attend various functions such as weddings and funerals, at least 200 ministers would be needed to do the work needed to be done.

He also claimed that the term 'luxury vehicles' was erroneous. The vehicles have become luxury vehicles due to the depreciation of the rupee, he said. In foreign countries, these vehicles are not considered as luxury vehicles, Senaratne added.