July 08, Colombo: Government of Sri Lanka has imported 31 bulletproof motor vehicles since the term of the 13th parliament started on April 22, 2004.

Chief Government Whip Dinesh Gunawardena informed this to the parliament today in response to a question asked by UNP MP Ravi Karunanayaka. MP Karunanayaka also asked whether the government provided any bullet-proof vehicle to newly appointed Eastern Province Chief Minister Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan.

Minister Gunawardena, responding to the question said that the government can not reveal whether Chief Minister Chandrakanthan was given a bullet-proof or any other type vehicle, due to security reasons.

According to sources, 12 vehicles were imported at a cost of US $ 1.82 million, another 15 motor vehicles at a cost of US $ 5.84 million followed by 4 more at a cost of US $ 13 million. However, the allocation of these specially designed motor vehicles imported using public funds was not disclosed.