By Jayashika Padmasiri
Deputy Minister of Healthcare and Nutrition, Suresh Vadivel has refuted allegations made by the All Ceylon Health Service Union, that he owned eight vehicles and was trying to purchase a new one for Rs. 10.2 million. Vadivel however, said that he would be privileged if the government was to give him a new vehicle to replace the one he now has as this has broken down.

Speaking to The Bottom Line he said, “This accusation is a complete falsehood. I have already requested the minister for a vehicle and he has approved my request. However, no money has been allocated by the Health Ministry to buy the vehicle as yet,” he said.

Vadivel also stated that he owned one vehicle which was bought from his personal money, but as a deputy minister he had received three vehicle permits from the government.

Vadivel said that he would be very grateful and privileged if he was in possession of eight vehicles, which cost a lot of money.

The All Ceylon Health Service Union however maintained that it is in possession of enough evidence needed to support the accusation made against the minister. He added that the minister was committing a crime by attempting to deny this fact.

The Deputy Secretary of the All Ceylon Health Union Service, Gamini Kumarasingha said, “We have got all the required evidence to make this allegation against the minister.

The ministry has already sent a tender to United Motors requesting a vehicle, and they replied and agreed to the deal, promising the minister a commission close to half a million. The ministry has already allocated Rs. 7.5 million belonging to the ministry for this vehicle. And the remaining Rs. 2.35 million is to be given by the Health ministry treasury. We are in possession of written documents as proof,” he said.

Kumarasingha further added that the Union is in possession of the eight vehicle numbers owned by the minister as well. The Deputy Minister’s fleet of vehicles comprises of three jeeps for security purposes and five for his personal use.