by Ishara Gamage

The government is to provide a transport allowance of Rs. 10,000 to all 93 new parliamentarians with effect from this month.

Political sources said that this allowance will cost the government an additional Rs. 1 million a month.

The allowance has been granted as a temporary measure till the new MPs are given permits to import brand new luxury vehicles.

A senior government Minister said yesterday that the allowance had to be given since MP’s had not yet submitted their requirements to the Ministry of Samurdhi,Rural Development and Parliamentary Affairs

He said that the government had reminded the MPs in writing to hand over particulars of their requirement, but the response had been very poor.

Parlilamentarians have been granted the privilege of importing a duty free vehicle worth around Rs. 2 million.