3 vehicles used by ex-president Mahinda returned to presidential secretariat

Three vehicles previously assigned for the use of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa have been returned to the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo.

The vehicles returned today include an ambulance, a van and a double-cab, said Ada Derana reporter. 

On October 1, the vehicles that had been brought to the Presidential Secretariat from various government institutions, including Ministries and Departments, were returned to their respective agencies at the parking area near the secretariat.

On October 19, the Government Information Department had issued a special statement clarifying that the privileges accorded to former Presidents have not been withdrawn. 

Issued in response to the media reports alleging that vehicles provided to ex-Presidents have been taken back, the statement said that former Heads of State still retain their privileges and that only the additional vehicles have been returned thus far. 

Accordingly, the statement issued by the Director General of Government Information reveals that former President Mahinda Rajapaksa has returned 8 out of 16 vehicles which were in his possession and that former President Ranil Wickremesinghe has 11 vehicles.