Thursday Dec 19, 2024
Thursday Dec 19, 2024
Wednesday, 18 December 2024 00:24 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
The National Audit Office has uncovered significant financial losses amounting to Rs. 2.66 billion and a systemic mismanagement in the former administration’s electric vehicle import scheme for expatriate workers, rising concerns over transparency and accountability.
The report, recently submitted to the Parliament, scrutinised the issuance of permits under the scheme between 1 May 2022 and 15 September 2023. It also examined electric vehicle permits between 22 September 2020 and 30 June 2023.
The audit highlights glaring irregularities, including the financial impact of Government’s decision to raise the luxury tax exemption limit for 510 imported vehicles from Rs. 6 million to Rs. 12 million. This policy shift led to an estimated loss of Rs. 1,380 million in Government revenue.
Additionally, tax payments totalling Rs. 1,280 million remain unpaid for six vehicles that were transferred to other parties, violating the scheme’s guidelines.
Labour and Foreign Employment Ministry issued 1,077 vehicle permits for migrant workers during the audit period. Of these, 77 permits were later revoked due to irregularities.
The National Audit Office also revealed that the Ministry Secretary failed to provide 64 crucial filed for the audit, further undermining accountability.
The audit recommended the cancellation of all permits issued under the scheme and urged the Government to inform stakeholders of the decision. It also called for disciplinary action against officials who issued permits in violation of four key principles outlined in the Cabinet approved committee report.
The report’s recommendations, including the cancelation of permits and disciplinary measures are expected to spark debate in Parliament.
