The supplementary estimate tabled to the parliament on Tuesday , which included the purchase of vehicles for Opposition Leader Mahinda Rajapaksa , his office and Deputy Minister of Land and Parliamentary Affairs,was later withdrawn.
However, the parliament was astonished as Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) parliamentarian Bimal Rathnayake revealed that a vehicle has been allocated to the Opposition Leader.
Joining the debate Mahinda Rajapaksa stated that when he was appointed as the Opposition Leader the former Opposition Leader took the vehicle with him and he also used the official residence. "I was only given an office. Is it that difficult to allocate a vehicle to the Opposition Leader? " he questioned.
However, when inquired Sri Lanka Mirror learned that Mahinda Rajapaksa is one of the Opposition Leaders who use the most number of bulletproof vehicles.
It is reported that he is currently using 3 Mercedes-Benz S Class bulletproof vehicles which are worth Rs 250 million each.There are 8 vehicles provided for his use and following is the list.
A 232832 (Bulletproof) (Benz - S Class)
A 233246(Bulletproof) (Benz - S Class)
CAD-0223 (Bulletproof) (Benz - S Class)
A 233364 Dmy (Benz - S Class)
KX-2389 Defender
KX-2431 Defender
KX-5292 Land Cruiser
PF-7307 Cab
(Mirror)