Vehicle permits have not been revoked: Deputy Minister

Friday, 24 January 2025 00:10 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Economic Development Deputy Minister Prof. Anil Jayantha Fernando

Economic Development Deputy Minister Prof. Anil Jayantha Fernando yesterday clarified that the import of vehicles through permits has not been revoked, but it has been restricted for this year.

Addressing the Parliament, he explained that the Government is not in a position to cancel the vehicle permit benefit.

As per the data available, Prof. Fernando said about 15,000 to 20,000 permits were issued.

“If we consider the foreign exchange reserves and open up permits, we will not be able to reach the economic goals set for this year. The economy will not be able to expand. Therefore, it is not a policy issue, but a priority issue,” he clarified, reiterating that a decision has not been made to cancel it.

He emphasised that qualified officials or individuals should not be denied their rightful benefits, acknowledging that past decisions regarding the allocation of these benefits might have included errors.

“Due to inadequate salaries or lack of proper benefits, permits or other incentives have occasionally have been used as leverage,” Prof. Fernando said. However, the Deputy Minister added that such cases can be reviewed and addressed separately.