PNM bought vehicle on JVP duty free permit

by Shamindra Ferdinando
Close on the heels of controversy over the transfer of duty free vehicle permits issued to the JHU MPs including its leader Ven. Ellawela Medhananda thero, the battle between JVP factions has revealed the JVP, too, transferred duty free vehicle permits issued to its MPs.

The offence came to light against the backdrop of the damaging dispute between Somawansa and Weerawansa factions with the latter receiving the backing of the Patriotic National Movement (PNM).

Under the Customs Ordinance, violation of laws governing duty waivers would result in the vehicle being forfeited and a fine three times the value of the vehicle imposed.

The controversy over Ven. Medhananda thero’s super luxury vehicle bearing KH 1715 was settled a few months ago after the businessman who bought the vehicle on the thero’s duty free car permit sold it to JHU dissident Ven. Uduwe Dhammaloka. Although the UNP forcibly held it for over three months last year, the JHU refused to involve police and worked through political and business contacts to resolve the dispute.

The brazen abuse of duty free car permits issued to UNP and SLFP parliamentarians haven't been challenged by the Customs or RMV though it is a punishable offence.

A spat between Colombo District JVP MP Lakshman Nipunaarachchi and the PNM over a van (WP NA 3158) bought on the duty free vehicle permit issued to the MP revealed the PNM had paid for the vehicle. PNM Chief Dr. Gunadasa Amarasekera said they had imported the vehicle on Nipunaarachchi’s duty free permit.

According to him, the PNM had paid Rs. 11,42633.00 to United Motors and spent a further Rs 350,000.00 as vehicle registration fees and other charges paid to United Motors.

The PNM roundly dismissed JVP General Secretary Tilvin Silva claim that the party had paid for all vehicles imported on duty free permits issued to its MPs.

The PNM had taken delivery of the vehicle on October 5, 2006. Dr. Amarasekera said they used the vehicle without any trouble until the MP lodged a complaint with Piliyandala police seeking police intervention to recover the vehicle. A furious Amarasekera said there was absolutely no need to seek police intervention. The MP could visit PNM headquarters at Borella and pay at least part of the money spent by the PNM and take his vehicle away. Asserting the MP had obviously changed his attitude towards the PNM after his party expelled Wimal Weerawansa, MP, and the General Secretary of the PNM, Dr. Amarasekera said Nipunaarachchi could have a cup of tea with them before taking his vehicle.

Nipunaarachchi in his complaint said his vehicle had been held by N. A. Nimal Chandrasiri. He also claimed Senaratne Silva would have encouraged the detention of the vehicle. JVP leader Somawansa Amarasinghe recently accused Senaratne Silva of backing Weerawansa’s faction.

In a letter sent to Officer-in-Charge of Piliyandala police, Dr. Amarasekera said the PNM would made available all documents relating to the vehicle transaction to law enforcement authorities while urging not to waste taxpayers’ money on unwarranted investigation.