Despite protests, WPC to buy chairs costing Rs. 640,000 each
Protests notwithstanding, the Western Provincial Council will spend Rs 86 million to import luxury chairs for its members.
“An order for 135 chairs, each worth Rs 640,000 has been placed with a Belgian supplier,” the council’s Chief Secretary Pradeep Yasaratna told the Sunday Times.
There are only 104 members in the council. This means there will be a surplus of chairs.
Mr Yasaratne claimed that the actual cost of the chair was only Rs 200,000, while the rest comprised customs duty, the freight cost and Value Added Taxes.
He said the council had evaluated the features of the chair and requested further modifications.
The chair, similar to the chairs used in parliament, can be rotated through 360 degrees and also moves on a railing. It is also adjustable.
JVP Provincial Council member Sunil Watagala said only its eight members opposed the decision and suggested that the purchases be made locally.
Western Province Governor Hemakumara Nanayakkara earlier said the decision had been put on hold, but the council has decided to go ahead with the purchase of the new chairs.
The new Provincial Council building costing Rs four billion was opened last month.