He said this in parliament yesterday in response to a question posed by MP Premanath C. Dolawatte.

Semasinghe noted that several proposals had been received regarding the import of vehicles but added that priority has only been given for the import of essential commodities and so far, permission has not been granted for the import of vehicles.

He said that the government is only utilizing the dollars for the import of essential commodities at present.

Dolawatta questioned whether his earlier proposal to allow Sri Lankans living abroad to send vehicles to SL having paid the duty in dollars could be considered. “This would help to reduce the escalating vehicle prices and would also help the government to obtain much needed dollars through the payment of duty in dollars,” he noted.