Deputy Minister of North Western Development and Cultural Affairs Palitha Thewarapperuma has refused a vehicle that was allocated for him by the Ministry.

Sending a letter to the Secretary to the Ministry, Thewarapperuma said that he does  not need a vehicle from the Ministry. He directed the minister to transfer the Rs 28 million for a welfare program for local artistes.

Thewarapperuma explained that politicians should focus on serving people rather than their personal comfort. He added that politicians do not receive a positive feedback especially in social media due to their excessive spending.

The government is facing severe criticism for seeking an allocation of Rs 1,180 million for vehicles for a number of Ministers.