Answering a question yesterday (8) on the number of bullet proof vehicles imported by the government after the 13th Parliament was elected, Chief Government Whip and Minister of Urban Development Dinesh Gunawardena said that 31 such vehicles were imported with a CIF value of US Dollars 1,819, 325 for 12 vehicles and a CIF value of Euro 3,732,580 for 15 vehicles and CIF value of US Dollars 1,323,052 for 4 vehicles.

Karunanayake said the Opposition Leader was promised a bullet proof vehicle but so far it was not given to him.

Dinesh Gunawardene: The government had given all the security facilities to the Opposition Leader but we cannot provide him with safety from the internal threats to him within his political party.

Karunanayake: Have you given a bullet proof vehicle to Chief Minister of the Eastern Province Chandrakanthan.

Dinesh Gunawardena: We cannot answer questions when the names of persons are not mentioned. However if a Chief Minister needs security it was the duty of the government to provide him with security. Mr.Speaker I am surprised at this member's question. Has he forgotten that the UNP had given bullet proof vehicles to the LTTE and huge sums of money and why were such things given. There was documentary proof about those vehicles and money given from the Treasury by the UNP government.