The time period granted for the importation of electric vehicles by Sri Lankan migrant workers depending on their remittances will be extended until August 2023, Minister of Labour and Foreign Employment Manusha Nanayakkara announced.
Minister Nanayakkara further said that a mechanism will be prepared to give electric vehicle import licences to other persons who bring dollars to the country on a private basis.
He made these remarks while participating in an event organized by Overland Automobile (PVT) Ltd to introduce several imported Electric vehicles to Sri Lanka.
Speaking during the event, the Minister said that the period for issuing licences to foreign workers depending on their remittances was limited from May to December 31 last year and that period will be extended to August this year.
“Many people left the country. This country had become an unlivable country without law and order. Large-scale businessmen took their businesses to countries like Dubai. The exporters did not bring the money that the country deserved. The country fell into an abyss. It was then that we accepted the challenge to revive this country. We took responsibility. We came up with a program to bring dollars to the country. We took measures to bring benefits to migrant workers. Expatriate workers did not send dollars to the country because they had trust issues and because they can get enhanced currency rates by sending money through illegal methods such as Undiyal. To change that, we arranged to grant licenses for the import of electric vehicles to expatriate workers. When this proposal was brought, the cabinet fully supported it.”
“As a government, our policy is that it is better to import only electric vehicles.. It has been decided that all the vehicles bought for the state sector will be electric vehicles only in the future,” he said.
Minister Nanayakkara revealed that when permission was given to foreign workers to import electric vehicles as a pilot project, the authorities met many people and got their opinions and submitted them to relevant officials.
He said although the ministers took forthright decisions without delay some officials who are stuck in their traditional thinking modes delayed implementing the process.
The minister pointed out that thereafter, the President and the cabinet gave approvals to move forward with this decision without delay.
“When foreign workers were given permission to import electric vehicles, some said that this was another political gimmick. This government does not endorse populist politics. That’s why taxes were increased in anticipation of giving concessions when possible to all citizens. Interest rates have decreased. Today, fuel distribution is being diversified. By doing the right thing, we have got the ability to reciprocate the work done by expatriate workers. The opportunity to import vehicles for expatriate workers was limited from May 1st to December 31st last year. We are making relevant amendments so that those who have sent money legally to the country can import vehicles until the end of August this year. Cabinet approval will be obtained for that. Also, if there are people who bring dollars to the country privately, they will also be given permission to import electric vehicles,” he added.
Minister Manusha Nanayakkara also thanked Overland Automobiles who have taken the initiative to import electric vehicles using the permits granted to foreign workers who sent money.
Managing Director of Overland Automobiles Daham Perera requested Sri Lankan Foreign Workers who are interested in importing electric vehicles to contact his organisation for further information.
“We have already imported several modern electric cars using these permits. Any foreign workers interested can call our hotline 0706668668 or WhatsApp us at +94 75 366 8668 or +94 11 748 7000 for more information,” Daham Perera added. (NewsWire)
