The ruling Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) said that no Government Parliamentarian has requested lower-priced vehicle permits instead of the duty free permits that they are entitled to, as claimed in media reports.

Several media reports alleged that MPs from both the Opposition and the Ruling Party have encouraged Speaker of Parliament Mahinda Yapa Abeywardana and government officials to offer lower-priced car permits in the event the duty free permits that have already been issued cannot be approved before the next Presidential Election. Quoting sources within Parliament, the reports said that the MPs intend to discuss this matter in the House Business Committee soon.

When contacted by The Daily Morning yesterday (18), Chief Government Whip and Minister Prasanna Ranatunga said that no Government MP has made such a request, neither formally or personally, to Speaker Abeywardana or any other higher government official. He further noted that he has not received any such request in his capacity as the Chief Government Whip. He also stated that it would have been notified in the Party meetings if any such request had been made.

Attempts to contact Speaker Abeywardana, Chief Opposition Whip and Samagi Jana Balawegaya Opposition MP, attorney Lakshman Kiriella proved futile.

Every MP used to receive a duty free vehicle permit, which allowed them to buy a vehicle worth around Rs. 20 million. However, the country’s economic circumstances forced the suspension of this permit issuing about nine years ago with the most recent one being issued in 2015. MPs have been requesting duty free car permits for a while now, but the administration has been hesitant to act because of the country’s economic situation.