Manusha to propose to Cabinet to import e-vehicles for migrant workers

Saturday, 25 June 2022 00:37 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Concession only for migrant workers sending forex via official banking channels
Mulls to introduce a low-interest rate housing scheme for migrant workers

Foreign Employment Minister Manusha Nanayakkara

Foreign Employment Minister Manusha Nanayakkara said a Cabinet paper will soon be tabled to allow electric vehicles to be imported by migrant workers who send foreign exchange via official banking channels.

As the Government has restricted vehicle importation since 2020, given the foreign exchange crisis, the license to import these electric vehicles will be issued ‘only’ to migrant workers who send money legally through the banking system.

The Minister made these remarks at an event organised by the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) to give away air tickets to 12 people leaving for employment in Japan and Israel on Wednesday.

He said the facility will be granted for migrant workers based on the amount of foreign exchange they send to the country.

Minister Nanayakkara also pointed out that a new charging system will be introduced for those electric vehicles to re-charge them with solar energy outside the main power system.

In addition, the Minister said that discussions have been held with State banks and private banks to introduce a low-interest rate scheme for a home loan scheme to realise the dream of owning a house for migrant workers.