Government mulls vehicle import permits for returning expat workers

By Yohan Perera 
and Ajith Siriwardana
The government would consider giving Sri Lankan expatriate workers a temporary facility to import a vehicle upon their return to Sri Lanka, State Minister of Finance, Money, Capital Markets and State Enterprise Resources Ajith Nivard Carbraal told Parliament yesterday. 

State Minister Cabraal who was responding to a proposal made by Government MP Premanath Dollawatte to this effect said the government would certainly consider it. MP Dollawatte proposed that Sri Lankan expatriates should be allowed to import a vehicle within one year of their return. “Government would be able to collect the much needed dollars if such a facility is made available and if import duty is charged in dollars.

It is true that the government has been able to save funds through the vehicle importation ban. However an extra amount of dollars could be earned through a temporary facility allowing Sri Lankan expatriate workers to import a vehicle,” the MP said.

“MP Dolawttte’s proposal is an interesting one and we shall definitely consider it,” State Minister Cabraal said.