This act of coarse selfishness sets a very bad example in a poor country at war. We must not forget that every day in this country young men and women are sacrificing their lives on the battlefield. What is the justification for those living in the safety of Colombo to buy, with public money, the most expensive cars in the market for that matter?

We all know our politicians are doing the same thing. But it is a fact that, as a class, politicians are hated in this country. The infamous Mervyn Silva incident at the Rupavahini illustrates the public loathing for these people. In our system, decent people don’t come into politics. But most believe that judges are more public spirited and are playing the role of supervising the politicians under the law. If this is the case, the judges must set an example. Why cannot the Ministry order good Japanese cars, which are less expensive but equally good?

I retired from the Public Service in 1986 after more than 30 years of service. Although we worked hard our remuneration was pitiful. But we were happy that we were serving the public of this country. What is happening now is scandalous.

The public is also aware that this kind of expensive purchase as a rule is based on corruption at high levels in the Ministries. We are waiting for our judges to set an example, which the politicians and the society may follow.