Govt. calls for action against ex-Speaker

By Saman Indrajith

Leader of the House and Transport Minister Bimal Ratnayake yesterday called on Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne to look into the possibility of taking action against the former Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, former Deputy Speaker Ajith Rajapaksa, and former Deputy Chairman of Committees Angajan Ramanathan for alleged excessive use of vehicles and fuel during their tenures.

Ratnayake said that following his exposure on 23 February, regarding the cost of fuel, vehicle use, electricity and water bills of former Speaker Abeywardena, the latter had issued a statement denying the matters exposed.

“As such, I believe it is my duty to further clarify the situation. In February 2023, I tabled some documents to support my claims. Today, I am tabling documents certified by the Director of Finance of Parliament, G. Sarath Kumara, detailing the costs incurred by Abeywardena, Deputy Speaker Rajapaksa, and former Deputy Chairman of Committees Ramanathan during the years 2022, 2023, and the first nine months of 2024,” Ratnayake said.

“For the first nine months of 2024, from 01 January to 30 September, former Speaker Abeywardena used nine vehicles and spent Rs. 34 million on fuel. Deputy Speaker Rajapaksa used six vehicles and spent Rs. 13 million on fuel, while former Deputy Chairman of Committees Ramanathan used four vehicles, incurring a cost of Rs. 7.2 million on fuel.

“For the 12 months from 01 January, 2023, to 31 December, 2023, Abeywardena used eight vehicles and spent Rs. 26 million on fuel. Deputy Speaker Rajapaksa used six vehicles and spent Rs. 14 million on fuel, while DCC Ramanathan used four vehicles and spent Rs. 7.8 million on fuel.

“This is the people’s money, and we must be accountable to the people. We are obligated to give an account to the people.

“Today, I also table some documents on the use of electricity, water, and food by Abeywardena during these years to be included in the Hansard.

“The documents I am tabling today have been certified by the Finance Director of Parliament. I request the Speaker to call for an audit or investigate the possibility of acting against these individuals,” Ratnayake said.