Opposition Leader condemns govt. move to procure 1,775 double cabs as a shady deal

...demands that benefits be directed to halt brain drain

- BY SAMAN INDRAJITH

The Opposition yesterday announced it would reject the government's offer of double cab pickup trucks, alleging that the procurement of 1,775 of them was part of a “shady deal”.

Participating in the 2026 Budget debate, Opposition and SJB Leader Sajith Premadasa said Members of Parliament did not require such perks and demanded that benefits be directed toward professionals and skilled state-sector employees to help curb the country's growing brain drain.

"We don’t need vehicle permits or double cabs. These privileges should go to teachers, doctors, engineers and other professionals who serve the nation," Premadasa told the House.

He warned that low salaries, high taxes, and a lack of incentives were driving educated workers to leave the country, weakening the public sector.