The government may be compelled to take legal action to demand Rs. 142.5 million that is due to be paid to the Central Transport Board by Mahinda Rajapaksa, Internal Transport Minister Ranjith Maddumabandara said.

Rajapaksa used CTB buses during the presidential election to bring people to rallies, and on some days even 600-700 buses had been used, he said to BBC Sandeshaya. The total charges that were to be paid was Rs. 192.5 million, but Rs. 50 million had been paid as an advance.

There was one bill of Rs. 25 million in a receipt signed for Sri Lanka Freedom PArty and another in the name of Gamini Senarath, Temple Trees, the Minister said.

He added that there were several stept to be taken before going to courts, and the government was taking every step to ensure that the money due to the people are paid. The government will not hesitate to take legal measures if necessary, he added.

Maddumabandara also said that bills were being prepared for the services rendered out by CTB for the election campaign of former president Mahinda Rajapaksa.