• No final decision on vehicles for MPs

Despite a statement by Minister Ananda Wijepala that MPs will be provided with fuel-efficient vehicles, there has been no final decision on the matter.

Speaker Dr. Ashoka Ranwala clarified that no decision had been made regarding the issuance of new vehicles or permits for MPs.

The Ministry of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs had previously announced that all MPs would receive fuel-efficient vehicles, but the overall plan remains unresolved.

Currently, vehicle permits are available to a range of senior officers, including those with six years of active service in senior executive roles in Government institutions, Parliament, or the tri-forces, as well as medical officers, engineers, architects, and attorneys-at-law in relevant positions. 

This also extends to officers in State corporations or statutory bodies with 12 years of service, and senior officers in State universities and the Central Bank of Sri Lanka. 

Additionally, chartered professionals with nine years of service in Government development projects or constitutional commissions are eligible. Chancellors of universities and registered medical officers with six years of service are also entitled to these permits.

Following the constitution of each Parliament, MPs are typically granted vehicle permits. However, the MPs elected at the 2020 General Elections did not receive this benefit due to the ongoing economic crisis and the ban on vehicle imports, which was implemented to conserve foreign exchange.