Following certain media reports being circulated that the Government is looking forward to accepting the purported requests made by Parliamentarians demanding concessionary vehicle import permits, Cabinet Spokesperson and Minister of Transport and Highways, Dr. Bandula Gunawardana announced that the Cabinet of Ministers has not been notified thus far by the Parliament regarding the matter.

According to media reports, over 100 MPs had reportedly placed their signatures on a letter submitted to Speaker of the Parliament Mahinda Yapa Abeywardana asking for permits to import vehicles under duty free conditions. According to those reports, which quoted sources within the House, it was alleged that those MPs included Opposition MPs as well.

Subsequently, at the Cabinet media briefing held yesterday (30 April), Dr. Gunawardana said that the Government has not taken any decision regarding the matter as the Cabinet has not yet been notified of such requests. Responding to a question raised at the media briefing, he noted that nothing was discussed about importing vehicles at the Cabinet meeting held on Monday (29 April). Speaking further, Dr. Gunawardana stated that the Government recently permitted importing 1,000 vehicles that are needed for the tourism sector, but that no other importation has been permitted. He also said that the aforementioned decision was also taken by the Cabinet after looking closely into the concerns raised by many parties and its possible impact on the country’s foreign reserves.

Meanwhile, when queried by The Daily Morning earlier, Chief Government Whip and Minister Prasanna Ranatunga said that no ruling Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna Government MP had, as claimed in media reports, requested low-priced vehicle permits instead of the duty free permits that they are entitled to.

Speaker Abeywardana, the main Parliamentary Opposition Party, the Samagi Jana Balawegaya’s General Secretary, and Opposition MP Ranjith Maddumabandara were unavailable for comment.