Former Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardhane spent Rs. 33 million on fuel within nine months from January 1 to September 24, 2024, averaging Rs. 4 million per month, Leader of the House Bimal Ratnayake revealed in Parliament today.
In contrast, the current Speaker has only spent Rs. 218,000 on fuel for January 2025.
Ratnayake disclosed that:
- The former Speaker used nine vehicles, incurring Rs. 33 million in fuel costs.
- The former Deputy Speaker used six vehicles, spending Rs. 13.5 million.
- The former Deputy Chairpersons of Committees used four vehicles, with a fuel expense of Rs. 7.2 million.
Meanwhile, in January:
- The current Deputy Speaker spent only Rs. 23,000 on fuel.
- The current Deputy Chairpersons of Committees spent Rs. 81,000 on fuel.
An audit report, conducted as per the staff advisory committee’s decision, also revealed:
- 70 staff members were employed to maintain the Speaker’s bungalow.
- Food expenses at the former Speaker’s bungalow were Rs. 2.6 million in 2023 and Rs. 3.6 million in 2024.
- The current Speaker’s food expenses for January 2025 were only Rs. 33,000.
The findings have raised concerns over excessive expenditures under the former Speaker’s tenure.
