The Ministry of Labor and Foreign Employment states that the initiative to encourage Sri Lankans abroad to send remittances through banks by introducing licenses to import electric vehicles was conducted with full transparency.
According to the Ministry’s official data, $4.3 billion was received in the first nine months of this year, and foreign remittances from Sri Lankans living abroad have surged by 75% compared to the previous year.
The Ministry responded to an ongoing Sri Lanka customs investigation into electric vehicles imported using the scheme.
So far, 318 electric vehicle import licenses have been issued to Sri Lankans who have sent remittances to Sri Lanka through legal channels, and $38 million has been received for importing vehicles.
The vehicle import licenses issued under this initiative are not exempt from import duty, and the initiative aligns with the aim of encouraging Sri Lankans abroad to send remittances through legal channels. All imported vehicles are required to pay the full customs duty and other taxes levied by the Customs Department, contributing to state revenue, the Ministry stated.
The Ministry expressed disappointment in the interference of the Parliament and its committees in business matters related to vehicle importers. They strongly condemn the use of the Parliament and its committees for such business matters, and they urge those presenting untrue information to realize that such statements could negatively affect the economy.
The Ministry assures full support for a thorough investigation.
The Ministry emphasizes its commitment to increasing remittance earnings and states that narrow political objectives should not reverse these initiatives.
Meanwhile, the Finance Ministry reported that seven newly imported vehicles have been taken into customs custody due to allegations of misuse of the foreign workers permit scheme, resulting in a loss of Rs 35 billion in revenue. Investigations are ongoing regarding undervaluing vehicles, not paying necessary taxes, transferring vehicle ownership, and determining if vehicles were imported using foreign remittance. (NewsWire)