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Luxury vehicles for ministers: Funds were given in April
View(s):Amid growing protests against the Government’s now-suspended move to allocate a huge amount for the import of luxury vehicles for ministers and deputies, it has been now revealed that the Treasury had transferred the funds in April, while the supplementary estimate was presented last Tuesday.
The Treasury had transferred billions of rupees — including around Rs. 1.17 billion for the purchase of vehicles for 32 ministries — to the relevant ministries, departments and other spending units. The statutory obligation of the Government is to keep Parliament informed within two months of transfer of funds for budgetary support services and contingent liabilities.
In a note submitted to Parliament along with the supplementary estimate details, it was noted that these provisions did not change the approved total expenditure limits of the annual estimate by Parliament and were within the limits of the approved annual budget.
“Therefore, neither the borrowing limit nor the maximum limit of total expenditure is increased due to granting of these supplementary provisions,” the note said. It also said that the purpose of this provision is to “facilitate the smooth conduct of public finance management in a more efficient and effective manner,” and the funds were “provided strictly for the purposes specified in approved budget estimates to relevant spending agencies having carried out a need assessment.”
The report containing the amount of allocations transferred and the reasons for such transfer was submitted to Parliament in terms of the Clause 6 (1) of the Appropriation Act. Among the supplementary estimates allocated in April in addition to the money for the vehicles were Rs. 66 million for the live telecast of Parliament debates and Rs. 17 million to construct a building in the premises of the official residence of former President Chandrika Kumaratunga.