Labour Minister and Economic Development Deputy Minister, Prof. Anil Jayantha Fernando told Parliament yesterday (23) that the Government has not taken any policy decision to abolish the concessionary vehicle permits issued to public servants in the executive category.

The Minister emphasised that between 15,000 and 20,000 vehicle permits on concessionary terms have been issued to public servants in the executive category so far and that if this opportunity is given at this time, it will be difficult to achieve the desired economic goals.

Accordingly, he said that there is a problem of priority in alignment of restrictions at the moment and not a problem of abolishing the vehicle permits issued to public servants in the executive category.

Minister Anil Jayantha stated this in response to a question raised by MP Najith Indika.

He further said that the Government decided to import vehicles after paying close attention to a number of factors. 

Therefore, all the decisions should be taken under such a backdrop by focusing on the overall economy.

The Minister further said the decision to resume the vehicle imports was taken considering the entire economy into account.”We have to act according to the parameters of the International Monetary Fund. 

We also have to pay attention to reserves, State revenue, tax revenue and all other relevant factors. We must also find ways to increase State revenue. 

There is no intention to deprive senior Government officials of the benefits provided in concessionary vehicle permits. There may be mistakes in the measures taken in the past in providing these benefits. However, they can be studied separately.

The NPP Government has not taken any decision to abolish vehicle permits. But the number of licences currently issued is a large number, around 15,000-20,000. If we allow permits at this juncture, we will not be able to achieve our goals. Therefore, no policy decision will be taken to abolish it, except for the issue of priority.

Meanwhile, the Minister responding to a question raised by MP Lakmali Hemachandra, said it is necessary to act according to various agreements of the International Monetary Fund. 

The import of vehicles had been stopped for many years due to the prevailing situation in the country. We are of the opinion that some opportunity should be given to import vehicles since the vehicles are needed when the economy expands and production increases. 

Therefore, we have to act under several stages. In that, the initial priority was given to the part related to the economy. It has also been decided to provide opportunities for vehicles transporting goods and vehicles for private use secondly and thirdly. 

We must understand that in a situation where there was a shortage of foreign reserves affecting the import of vehicles. Now, there is some growth in domestic reserves, exceeding US$ 6 billion. But it is not possible to use all of them for the import of vehicles.

(dailynews.lk)
(This story, originally published by dailynews.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)