Co-Cabinet Spokesmen Gayantha Karunathilake and Rajitha Senaratne struggled to explain the reasons for a supplementary expenditure of Rs 1,180 million to buy vehicles for Ministers, Deputy Ministers and State Ministers at the Cabinet press briefing yesterday.

The media repeatedly questioned them as to why they are spending so much money whereas the people are being asked to bear the cost of foreign debts.

Senaratne attempted to defend the decision to seek such a high amount by saying that good quality vehicles were needed to travel in difficult terrain. The journalists pointed out that the exorbitant costs of Rs 25 million upwards is not required to buy a vehicle of good condition, given that the ministers were also granted tax concessions in importing vehicles.

Video: BBC