Deputy Minister of Finance Anil Jayantha Fernando has dismissed opposition allegations that Letters of Credit (LCs) were opened for 4,000 vehicles on May 15, the day before a surcharge on vehicle imports was imposed.
Speaking during a televised interview, Fernando clarified that the actual number was far lower.
“The claim that 4,000 vehicles had LCs opened is a baseless lie. The actual number is 1,782,” he said.
According to the Deputy Minister, 380 LCs were opened on May 15, covering 1,782 vehicles valued at USD 23.71 million.
He stressed that opposition figures were exaggerated, misleading, and completely false.
“By claiming such high figures, they are attempting to mislead the public by creating an illusion that there were issues in the country. The public also falls victim to such claims and ends up carrying out unnecessary purchases and measures, causing them loss. I request the public not to believe unverified statements on social media,” he said.
The Deputy Minister dismissed the Opposition’s claims, urging the public not to fall victim to false news, especially circulated on social media. (Newswire)