A Government plan to import 2,000 double cabs for State institutions is currently only a proposal that will be included in the 2026 Budget, according to Treasury Deputy Secretary Ananda Kithsiri Seneviratne.

Speaking on the matter, Seneviratne confirmed that while a proposal existed, it was not an immediate plan. 

“This is only a proposal at this time, and it will be included in the Budget for 2026, so it will not be implemented immediately,” he stated. 

Seneviratne added that the plan was yet to receive Cabinet or Treasury approval, as the matter had not been finalised yet.

Recently, Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils, and Local Government Dr. Chandana Abayarathna revealed the plan to import 2,000 double cabs. 

The Minister had previously announced the decision to import the vehicles to address a severe shortage in State institutions, particularly in divisional secretariat offices, where some vehicles are up to 15 years old.

The Treasury acknowledgment of the plan confirms the need for new vehicles, with Seneviratne noting: “I can acknowledge that many of these Government institutions lack adequate and working double cabs. Most of the functioning double cabs are over 10-15 years old and need to be replaced.”

This proposed import plan appears to deviate from a previously reported Government policy focused on reducing State expenditure by selling off high-maintenance, fuel-intensive luxury vehicles.

Neither Minister of Public Administration Abayarathna nor Ministry Secretary S. Aloka Bandara could be contacted for comments in this regard.