Since there is no transparency in the scheme of providing full electronic vehicle licenses to Sri Lankans working abroad and it appears that there are many problems in this regard, a full analysis of the Ministry of Finance, the Central Bank, Sri Lanka Customs and the Ministry of Labor and Foreign Employment should be done jointly. The Chairman of the Committee on Government Finance, Dr. Harsha De Silva, recently instructed the relevant officials to give a report within two weeks. Sri Lanka Latest News
Also, until this analysis is received, it is not possible to give approval to the relevant gazette extending the period of licensing, said the committee chairman.
Thus, it was informed to prepare this analytical report to find out whether foreign remittances have been received at a significant level through this system, or whether some persons have misused this facility.
The Chairman of the Committee said this when the Government Finance Committee discussed the issue of Gazette No. 2368/24 published to extend the period of the scheme for providing full electric vehicle licenses to Sri Lankans employed abroad until September 30, 2024.
According to the circular issued by the Ministry of Labor and Foreign Employment, the scheme of providing full electric vehicle licenses to Sri Lankans employed abroad was implemented and the workers who have remitted 20000 USD or more to Sri Lanka will receive Rs. Luxury car tax relief up to 12 million has been given. The period of this scheme, which was implemented for the first time from the gazette of 10th February 2023, has been extended by the gazette issued on 31st May 2023 and further extended by the gazette of 24.01.2024.
The Chairman of the Committee also stated that although the Ministry of Finance had requested the Ministry of Labor and Foreign Employment to provide all relevant information including the persons whose vehicles were brought from the beginning of this process, the Ministry of Labor and Foreign Employment has informed that the Attorney General should be asked about the provision of confidential and private information. However, the committee pointed out that there is no transparency or proper regulation here.
In this situation, the chairman stated that many allegations of various irregularities have been reported to the committee and said that through this tax relief, Rs. 100 million vehicles have been imported. It was revealed that 1019 licenses have been granted so far and 109.8 million USD has been remitted through this. Also, the value of the licenses granted so far is Dr. Officials also said that it is 46 million.
The Chairman of the Committee pointed out that even if these remittances are added to the account at once, irregularities may occur in the qualification of a foreign worker for this facility and through this system various smugglers will be given space for money laundering. Also, it was discussed in the committee that there is a doubt whether the workers who do normal jobs have brought such valuable vehicles. It was also emphasized here that irregularities should not be allowed to happen as this is the only opportunity to import vehicles in a background where the import of vehicles is prohibited.
Also, the chairman pointed out that there is a group called Facilitator in this process and no information about them has been given. Accordingly, the Ministry of Labor and Foreign Employment was instructed to provide the same information immediately. Accordingly, the Chairman of the Committee mentioned that he will have to consider all the information in the future and take a decision on giving approval to this gazette.
In addition, three orders published in Special Gazette Nos. 2371/48, 2371/49 and 2371/50 under the Foreign Exchange Act, published in Special Gazette Nos. 2369/27 and 2374/19 under the Currency Act No. 25 of 2003 The orders made were also considered and approval had to be given.
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