Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe directed the Treasury not to proceed with the allocation of funds for vehicles for MPs until compensation is paid to the victims of natural disasters and the Salawa army camp fire.

The government had earlier pledged compensation for the landslide and flood victims. Later it also pledged to rebuild all completely damaged houses at Kosgama and also to repair the partially damaged houses of residents.

The Prime Minister has ordered that all compensation have to be estimated and allocated before proceeding with the allocation of funds for vehicles.

The government was being criticized for seeking an allocation of Rs 1,180 million for Ministerial vehicles, especially at a time when taxes have been increased and the country has faces several disasters.