Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock, Namal Karunaratne, says that vehicles provided to Members of Parliament (MPs) are issued strictly on a returnable basis and must be handed back to the government once their term of office concludes.
Speaking about the current state of the government vehicle fleet, he noted that many vehicles used by state institutions are 20 to 30 years old and no longer suitable for official use. He emphasized that new vehicles are essential to ensure the smooth functioning of government operations.
The Deputy Minister further pointed out that several institutions lack vehicles altogether, and their requirements must be addressed to maintain an efficient public service.
He clarified that MPs play a key role in strengthening the public service system, but the vehicles allocated to them do not become their personal property. Unlike state ministers and deputy ministers, who are provided vehicles through their respective ministries, MPs without official transport are temporarily assigned vehicles for official duties.
“These vehicles are not issued under permits, and MPs do not receive ownership. They are provided in the same temporary manner as vehicles allocated to officials in government institutions,” he said.
