IntelScoops

Colombo, Sri Lanka – The Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government has announced plans to import 2,000 cabs to alleviate chronic vehicle shortages across state institutions. This move aims to improve operational efficiency, particularly for officials carrying out field duties.

Minister Dr. Chandana Abayrathna noted that many institutions have gone nearly 15 years without new vehicles, significantly hindering their ability to serve the public. He said the decision came after a detailed review of existing challenges and followed direct instructions from President Ranil Wickremesinghe, with a focus on prioritizing Divisional Secretariat offices, where shortages are most acute.

The announcement, however, has stirred political debate as the ruling parties—the National People’s Power (NPP) alliance and the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP)—both emphasized that the vehicle imports will not benefit politicians or elected officials.

During the recent election campaign, the NPP and JVP committed to prioritizing public service delivery and avoiding unnecessary expenses perceived as perks for political figures. Party spokespeople reiterated their stance, saying, “These vehicles are strictly for official use by frontline public servants, not for political purposes.”

This pledge reflects the coalition’s broader platform of transparency and accountability in government spending, amid growing public scrutiny over resource allocation. Critics of previous administrations have welcomed the move but stressed the need for clear mechanisms to ensure that the vehicles are used solely to enhance service delivery and not diverted for political gain.

The government’s plan to import these vehicles is seen as part of a broader effort to modernize state institutions and strengthen governance, with particular attention to improving access to essential services in rural and underserved areas.

As the vehicles begin arriving, observers will be closely watching how effectively the Ministry manages distribution and usage, ensuring alignment with the NPP-JVP coalition’s promises to focus on governance reforms rather than political patronage.