With government politicians abusing state resources, including helicopters for electioneering purposes, the move to increase the SLAF’s existing fleet was something to be expected
Fourteen more MI171 helicopters were to be purchased through a foreign loan according to reports, UNP MP Karu Jayasuriya said yesterday.
With government politicians abusing state resources, including helicopters for electioneering purposes, the move to increase the SLAF’s existing fleet was something to be expected, Jayasuriya told a news conference in Colombo.
Ruling UPFA candidates were abusing state resources with impunity including vehicles, government buildings and other public facilities. They had now got used to helicopters, which were being used to travel short distances and even to attend sports events, MP Jayasuriya noted.
The war was long over and there was no need to waste funds on purchasing more aircraft, Jayasuriya said, adding that the need of the hour was to reduce the cost of living and alleviate the sufferings of the poor who were struggling to find three square meals a day.
He said that the Elections Commissioner and the IGP were unable to enforce the laws, due to all powers being vested in the President through the 18th Amendment to the Constitution, which had been rushed through Parliament, he said.
(Island)