Government loses Rs. 2.42 billion from vehicle import duty scam: COPA

4 April 2025 06:41 pm Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 12 Bookmark

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Colombo, April 4 (Daily Mirror) - The Committee on Public Accounts (COPA) disclosed that a grave scam has taken place in issuing permits for the import of fully electric vehicles to Sri Lankans employed abroad, based on foreign remittances,

As per a statement issued by the Parliament Media Unit, the Auditor General had revealed that 1,077 vehicle permits were issued during this period, of which 77 permits were later cancelled, and that two main institutions had acted as importers providing facilities to 640 permit holders. He emphasised that this indicates the creation of a business under the pretext of issuing permits.

Moreover, due to the increase of the luxury tax exemption threshold from Rs. 6 million to Rs. 12 million for 921 vehicles imported until September 30, 2024, the Auditor General stated that the government has lost a tax revenue amounting to Rs. 2.42 billion.

This was disclosed during the meeting of the COPA chaired by MP Aravinda Senarath, held recently (02) to discuss the special audit reports compiled regarding the scheme implemented between May 01, 2022, and September 15, 2023, to grant permits for the import of fully electric vehicles for Sri Lankans employed abroad, based on foreign remittances.

During the meeting, the Auditor General pointed out that there are suspicions of money laundering in the issuing of these vehicle permits. He indicated that these findings emerged upon examining the entire procedure carried out in this regard.

Comments - 12

Yohan Friday, 04 April 2025 07:02 PM

Why copa or attorney general not investigating sliit matter. It was bought with just a cabinet letter by few individuals making a major loss to goverment. Also why those individuals are not arrested yet.

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Perera Saturday, 05 April 2025 09:59 AM

You have absolutely no idea of how the system works. There are steps to be followed in the investigation process. The first is the audit by the Auditor General, second the COPA investigation and then the AG to file indictments against those responsible for the mal practices.

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THE SOONER THIS CASE AND THE OTHERS MENTIONED TO DATE NEED TO BE PROCESSED FAST, BEFORE THE PILE OF CASSES THE GOVT HAS TO SEE THROUGH WILL GET OUT OF CONTROL Friday, 04 April 2025 07:27 PM

THE GOVT MUST DIRECT THE CID AND ANY OTHER AUTHORITY/S TO TRACK THESE CORRUPT SO CALLED MONEY LAUNDERERS AND HAUL THEM UP BEFORE A COURT OF LAW, CONFISCATE THE VEHICLES THEY HAVE IMPORTED AND GO AFTER THOSE WHO OWN THE VEHICLES IMPORTED AS THEY MAY BE THE CULPRITS OF ILLGOTTEN MONEY, NOT THE IMPORTER AS SUCH HE WOULD HAVE GOT HIS PALMS OILED THOUGH.

2 7

martin Friday, 04 April 2025 07:50 PM

NPP government allocated 121 million dollars to pour concrete to prevent landslides in upcountry railway line. Investigate this. It only took US$113 million dollars to construct Nelum Kuluna

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BanduXX Saturday, 05 April 2025 12:10 AM

This was allocated by previous govt because The Reduction of Landslide Vulnerability by Mitigation Measures Project implemented by the National Building Research Organization with financial assistance from the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) (the project cost is USD 110 million) is working on stabilizing 128 landslide sites. So far, stabilization work has been completed on 46 landslide sites. The NBRO is a govt organisation and AIIB paying for it. Absurd comment to mislead.

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Ganesh Friday, 04 April 2025 10:33 PM

I am still awaiting the day I can buy a for 1.5 million and fill petrol for 150 per litre. Thank you National Pacha Party.

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Gayantha Dias Friday, 04 April 2025 11:51 PM

What a joke is this? These permits were issued during dire economic conditions to entice dollar remittances. Which worker wants to rush to send dollars if they don't get some benefit with what was allowed to import? So basically send whatever money to qualify and also pay crazy 300% taxes on top? Please stop these jokes. Should another dire situation arise govt begging for dollars, no one will send a PENNY! This is embarrassing.

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Dr Soori Maripalan Saturday, 05 April 2025 02:52 AM

If there is a problem with duty of cars, charge them as soon as possible without informing the people! We are sick of these advertisements! Whole world knows these scams by Myna, Pambaya and Pina governments!

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Eper Saturday, 05 April 2025 06:46 AM

Good job. Confiscate the vehicles and expose the owner as it’s the citizens money they have robbed.

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melville perera Saturday, 05 April 2025 07:58 AM

with several heads in this dept. it is unbelievable and one such head is in the current cabinet circle

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Dambo Saturday, 05 April 2025 08:35 AM

I don't think even 1% of those working abroad were looking to by electric cars as they have more priorities to look into before buying a car. From the beginning we knew it was a scandal. The priority right now is not importing cars but kick starting the economy.

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VJ Saturday, 05 April 2025 11:01 AM

If not all most countries allow a duty free vehicle for expat workers. A group of Lankans working for an international organization wrote to the then PM in 2007 asking for a once in a lifetime vehicle permit for expats, based on a value depending on the amount of foreign exchange remitted. That many other countries have extended these facilities to their citizens. Was surprised we received a reply after six months, request denied, the reason was the request was unreasonable.

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