The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Speaker, regarding the sale of vehicles, the normal procedure before disposal is to obtain the Government Valuation and then call for tenders in line with that valuation. The Government Valuation is known to the Valuer and is conveyed to the relevant institutions.

¶ 02 I table the documents containing the valuations. For example: - Vehicle No. NC KG 0613 (a Micro Rexton Jeep of the Chief Secretary’s Office) had a valuation of Rs. 2,500,000. The highest bid received was Rs. 5,026,000. - Vehicle No. NC CAT 2361 (of the Governor’s Secretariat) had a valuation of Rs. 19,800,000. The highest bid was Rs. 21,878,000. - Vehicle No. NC KE 2439 (of the Chief Ministry) had a valuation of Rs. 2,000,000. The highest bid was Rs. 4,157,750. - Vehicle No. NC GE 6163 (of the Provincial Ministry of Health) had a valuation of Rs. 7,500,000. The highest bid was Rs. 17,997,700—more than 150% above valuation.

¶ 03 All vehicles were available for inspection prior to bidding. The sum of the highest bids amounted to Rs. 134,410,229. Therefore, the claim that vehicles were sold for Rs. 28,000,000 is an outright lie. I also table all documents regarding disposal of luxury and other vehicles used by and retired from service in the North Central Provincial Council.

¶ 04 Further, a vehicle NC KT 7237 had a valuation of Rs. 22,500,000, but the highest bid was only Rs. 10,810,279. That vehicle was not awarded, since bids below the Government Valuation were rejected. Some vehicles fetched more than valuation; one vehicle sold at Rs. 14,000,000. The story of Rs. 28,000,000 is fabricated.

¶ 05 Before spreading lies, at least verify the facts. These were advertised in newspapers and sold after valuation. If anyone had doubts, they could have asked the Chief Secretary, a government officer. Instead, they conducted press conferences.

¶ 06 On the alleged fast-tracking of port containers, an allegation was made in this House. A committee chaired by our Finance Minister summoned the Director General of Customs and examined the releases. When exceptional congestion occurs, different measures are used to clear containers. The report has been compiled; falsehoods must now be taken to the CID instead of to media conferences. Investigations are nearing completion.

¶ 07 We are strengthening the legal framework to stop theft, fraud, and corruption. If more laws are needed, we will bring them. The Opposition’s tactic now is to spread lies. At least check the truth before speaking. Some who are lawyers by name should first seek information from the Chief Secretary before addressing media. I stand by what I said even outside this House.

¶ 08 Hon. Deputy Speaker, the people gave us a two-thirds mandate to act. Many complaints before the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption, FCID, and CID are progressing. Some are now afraid as inquiries advance. We will enforce the law without fear or favour.

¶ 09 Hon. Deputy Speaker, my time is up. I will conclude by reiterating that the purpose of these Regulations is to end theft, fraud, and corruption, not to hide behind parliamentary privilege. We took this struggle to the streets, made complaints, and that is why probes are underway under this Government. We are committed to protecting the people’s mandate and building a country free of corruption. Thank you.