Govt. rules out vehicle permits for MPs

Thursday, 6 February 2025 05:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa says importing vehicles for MPs not Govt. priority
Dismisses possibility of building fleet of vehicles with varied, super-luxury automobiles previously used by MPs
States decision to ease vehicle import restrictions is to boost economic activities, growth

The Government yesterday ruled out issuing vehicle permits to Members of Parliament (MPs), though it plans to provide them with automobiles for official duties and purposes.

“Our Government will not issue vehicle permits to MPs,” Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa confirmed yesterday.

Speaking at the post-Cabinet meeting media briefing, he said the intention of the Government is to provide a vehicle for MPs at one point once to conduct their duties and once their five-year term ends, it must be returned.

Dr. Jayatissa was emphatic that importing vehicles for MPs was not a Government priority.

He also dismissed the possibility of building a pooled fleet of vehicles for MPs, citing the varied and often super-luxury and high fuel consumption nature of automobiles previously used by Parliamentarians.

“This makes it difficult to create a standardised pool for distribution,” he added.

He explained that the easing of vehicle import restrictions from 1 February after a five-year hiatus is to boost economic activities and growth.

The Cabinet Spokesman underscored the cautious approach the Government is taking, balancing economic restructuring with the potential impact on foreign reserves.

He also noted that a debate was underway in Parliament regarding a Gazette notification related to vehicle imports.

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