Sri Lanka may not have money for schools, medicine, public transport, or cost-of-living relief — but fear not, the government has finally prioritised what truly matters: brand-new double cabs for all 225 Members of Parliament. A Rs 12.5 billion “urgent national necessity,” rushed through procurement like a flash sale at a luxury car showroom.
The plan is simple: every MP gets a shiny, fully insured diesel double cab, drives it for five years, and then, in theory, returns it to the government at the end of their term. Because, of course, politicians are famous for returning state assets in perfect condition.
This miraculous burst of generosity was announced just three days after the Finance Ministry’s tender for 1,775 double cabs closed on November 4. Pure coincidence, obviously. Definitely not a pre-planned fleet upgrade disguised as “development.” And no one is supposed to notice that the tender deadline was squeezed into a glorious seven working days, well below the legally required 21-day minimum. But who cares about procurement law when there are MPs in need of new rides?
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake insists this is all for the good of the country, because the government’s existing vehicles are over 20 years old, fuel-inefficient, and expensive to repair. Repairs cost Rs 7 billion in 2020 and a shocking Rs 25 billion in 2025. So, rather than ask who ruined the vehicle pool or why state transport was allowed to collapse, the solution is obvious: spend another Rs 12.5 billion on more vehicles.
Meanwhile, hospitals are reusing gloves, schools are begging for chalk, and taxpayers are still paying VAT on everything from rice to toothpaste. But clearly, what Sri Lanka truly lacks is four-wheel-drive “development tools” for its honourable representatives.
The government argues that the vehicles are not “gifts”, they must be returned after the term. Yes, just like state bungalows, laptops, office furniture, and every other “returnable” item in the history of Sri Lankan politics. The people definitely believe this.
Critics say the deal violates the new Public Finance Management Act and Procurement Commission rules. Supporters say critics are jealous that they don’t get free double cabs. Both may be right.
So as the public pays more tax and receives less service, MPs will soon glide past potholes in brand new diesel cabins, waving cheerfully at citizens told to “tighten their belts for national recovery.”
Democracy has many forms. This one comes with leather seats and full insurance.
