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Last Updated : 2024-05-21 23:24:00
30 April 2024 09:23 pm - 11 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Colombo, April 30 (Daily Mirror) - Vehicle imports may be relaxed either before January next year or before the elections, potentially for political gain during the upcoming election period, Vehicle Importers Association of Lanka (VIAL) President Indika Sampath Merinchige said.
Addressing the media, he said the vehicle imports are for the process of gaining political advantages.
"When making decisions regarding the resumption of vehicle imports, all responsible individuals must convene around a single table to discuss the matter. Therefore, the government, instead of unilaterally taking decisions, should involve other responsible parties and consider their input," Merinchige said.
"The Finance Ministry, Sri Lanka Customs, Motor Traffic Department, government vehicle importers, private importer associations, the Attorney General's Department and the Minister responsible should convene at a single table to discuss the issues," he said.
"It is inappropriate to make independent decisions on vehicle imports through select sectors. Several Ministers have been making statements about vehicle imports without reaching a definite decision," he said.
Merinchige further highlighted that a mere USD one billion was expended in vehicle imports for each of the years 2017, 2018, and 2019. He proposed that with efficient management, the country could import the necessary vehicles while reducing expenditure to USD 500 million.
However, he pointed out the importance of first establishing a strategy for fund management and determining the types of vehicles required before initiating any imports.
Shera Tuesday, 30 April 2024 11:21 PM
In all the elections, opponents say what the people want to hear. Then when they come in to power, they forget all the rhetoric and continue with the same things their predecessors did. Nothing ever changes and that's why the system is corrupt, stagnant and is held back for decades.
Christo255 Wednesday, 01 May 2024 12:43 AM
Never happy but always rich. Merinchige another voice cut hero
Nodaking kalakanni Wednesday, 01 May 2024 01:44 AM
Ranils bribes will start in earnest using taxpayer money.
Dr Saman Wednesday, 01 May 2024 01:53 AM
Ranil is getting desperate - giving away land, rice and now importing vehicles - a price will have to be paid by the people to help him achieve another term. Utterly selfish
Ram Wednesday, 01 May 2024 03:24 AM
Before spending 1 Billion US $$$ to import vehicles, first import the necessary drugs and equipment for our hospitals. Patients visiting Hospitals are told to purchase their drugs out side. There is no justification when one look at the situation with vehicle imports
P Kunchithapathan Wednesday, 01 May 2024 05:59 AM
Sampath Merinchige accurately highlights the ulterior motives of the current government, which is supported by individuals engaged in various unethical activities. At a time when the country is still grappling with the aftermath of an economic crisis, the decision to allow car imports raises questions about its beneficiaries. Recently, the President has cautioned opposition politicians about the challenges the nation will encounter in repaying borrowed funds during the mid year. What the populace truly requires is reliable public transportation, yet the government appears more focused on generating quick profits to appease select individuals. Current status of public transportation is in depilating condition and what the people need is a much improved public transport system and not to please the individuals.
“ The Lansi Burgher Gent “ Wednesday, 01 May 2024 08:08 AM
Don’t we all have to endure the endless suffering of traffic jams, incessant honking, blaring hideous music on busses, the effects of all types of pollution that comes with an increase in vehicles on our dingy roads, which can’t support the same? Getting to and from the nearest town is bad enough, let alone driving into, out of and within the larger cities. Here’s to more and more of the rubbish we already have. Come five years time, we wouldn’t be able to get a broomstick into our roads, given the sea of vehicles that would be present at the time. These “bright sparks” aren’t that bright after all.
Be Fair Wednesday, 01 May 2024 09:09 AM
You are funny Sampath. VIAL
Poorman Wednesday, 01 May 2024 10:55 AM
The little foreign exchange reserves that are slowly being built up should never be wasted on non essential imports like this. Sighting that the import duty of vehicles will fund Govt expenses is as illogical as it can get. Why cant these importers think for the greater good of the country but not about only themselves?
Sam Wednesday, 01 May 2024 01:09 PM
Just be sensible, dont allow all types of imports, just allow the same type of one small type of car, one mis sized car and one large car or SUV. This way better pricing will be possible and spare parts can be easily managed.
Buddhist Wednesday, 01 May 2024 04:10 PM
When the country is running around the world with a begging bowl, and people do not have food to eat, this easing of vehicle imports is for the benefit of MPs as they have demanded vehicle permits. Voters are taxed and they should abandon Ranil-Rajapaksa team for issuing vehicle permits to MPs.
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