Minister Doug bought nine luxury coaches with the help of Basil

(December 29, Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian) The paramilitary leader and the non-cabinet Minister Douglas Devananda is said to have obtained funding from the President’s political advisor and brother Basil Rajapakse millions US dollars to purchase luxury coaches to operate between the northern town of Jaffna and Colombo on the A9 road.

From the funds given so far, nine luxury coaches have been imported from India. Doug is said to have placed further orders and is expecting deliveries soon.

An undisclosed (private) commission based deal is being agreed between Basil and Doug. According to information reaching through close circles to Minister Doug, Doug’s request for operational monopoly on A9 route has been sanctioned by Basil. Minister Doug is said to be using his paramilitary force to implement the deal and the independent coach operators are said to be unable to operate on the exclusive A9 route of Doug.

Travellers in Doug’s coaches are charged an exorbitant Rs 2,000 for a single journey whereas the cramped government busses are charging only one fourth of the sum charged by the exclusive coaches of the Minister.