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Duty-free permits for lawmakers and House officials: Govt. sidesteps several RTI queries

Published

2 years ago

2024/03/1

The Ministry of Public Administration, Home Affairs, Provincial Councils and Local Government claimed that it was not aware of the total number of vehicle permits issued to members, the year the scheme came into being and whether all political parties represented in the House supported the move.

When this issue was first raised with the Parliament in terms of Right to Information Act No 12 of 2016, The Island was told that the questions pertaining to MPs should be forwarded to the Ministry of Public Administration, Home Affairs, Provincial Councils and Local Government.

The Parliament did so on behalf of The Island , whereas questions regarding the issuance of vehicle permits were answered by Hansa Abeyratne, RTI officer and Deputy Secretary General of Parliament.

Of the 10 questions originally submitted to Parliament, the Hansa Abeyratne responded to question number 09 pertaining to parliament whereas D. M. C. Nalaka Dissanayake (ND), RTI Office and Senior Assistant Secretary (Parliamentary Affairs) of Ministry of Public Administration, Home Affairs, Provincial Councils and Local Government answered rest of the questions (Q 1 to 8 and 10).

The Parliamentary Affairs section claimed that it had information regarding issuance of duty free permits issued since 2000.

(1) The Island: When did Parliament introduce the duty-free vehicle permit scheme?

ND: No response

(2) The Island: Would you please name the political party that made the proposal regarding duty-free vehicle permits? Did that proposal receive the support of all political parties represented in parliament at that time?

ND: As the Parliamentary Affairs section has been placed under the Ministry of Public Administration, Home Affairs, Provincial Councils and Local Government since 2000, information pertaining to the issuance of duty free vehicle permits during the period this particular section operated as a separate ministry and under some other ministries was not available. Therefore the Parliamentary Affairs section couldn’t find the information sought.

(3) The Island: The total number of duty-free vehicle permits issued to members since the introduction of the scheme?

ND: Parliamentary Affairs section didn’t have the required information.

(4) The Island: Could you please name the MPs who had received five or more such permits?

ND: Parliamentary Affairs section didn’t have the required information.

(5) The Island: Did Parliament advise MPs that vehicles brought under duty free permits couldn’t be sold to a third party?

ND: Yes.

(6) The Island: In case of resignation of an MP including National List member even just weeks before the completion of the term does the successor receive an opportunity to procure a duty-free vehicle?

ND: Yes.

(7) The Island: When did Parliament last issued duty free vehicle permits?

ND: Duty free vehicle permits were issued for the period 2015-Sept 1-2020 March 02.

(8) The Island: Could you give reasons for the suspension of the issuance of duty free permits?

ND: A decision was yet to be taken in this regard.

(10) The Island: The duty free value of the permit when it was first issued and the value at the last time it was done?

ND: We are not aware of its value when it was first issued. However on the last occasion (2015-2020) the CIF value (Cost, insurance and Freight) value was USD 62,500.

The parliament was however able to provide a comprehensive answer regarding the issuance of duty free permits to its officers.

According to the Deputy Secretary General Hansa Abeyratne altogether 148 permits had been issued since 1999. Abeyratne provided a breakdown: 1999 January to 2001 January 42 permits, 2007 January to 2008 january06, 2011 January to 2013 June 34, 2013 June to 2015 January 14, 2016 January to 2017 January 07, 2018-January to 2018 June 03 and 2018 June to 2024 January 42.

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Indonesian Naval Ship ‘KRI SULTAN ISKANDAR MUDA – 367’ arrives in Colombo

Published

2 hours ago

2026/01/22

Priyan

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During the stay in Colombo, the crew members of the ship are expected to visit some tourist attractions in the city limits.

Further, this visit provides an avenue to enhance professional interaction and courtesy engagements among two navies.

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Published

2 hours ago

2026/01/22

Priyan

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The Sri Lanka Navy welcomed the visiting ship in compliance with naval traditions.

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Mechanism to be established involving university academics and experts for Education Reforms – President

Published

9 hours ago

2026/01/22

Priyan

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake stated that the Government is taking steps to establish a comprehensive mechanism, supported by an appropriate legal framework, to bring together university academics, experts and all relevant parties in order to resolve issues arising during the implementation of education reforms.

The President made these remarks during a discussion with the Federation of University Teachers’ Associations (FUTA) held on Wednesday (21) morning at the Presidential Secretariat.

During the discussion, FUTA members emphasized the challenges encountered while trying to implement educational reforms through a framework established by the National Institute of Education, in line with the current laws and regulations.

They further emphasized that while their association acknowledges the need for new education reforms, the urgency of such reforms is greater for students in rural schools than for those in urban schools.

The Federation of University Teachers’ Associations further stated that they appreciate the decision taken by the Government, under the leadership of the President, to address the issues arising from education reforms and affirmed their readiness to contribute to this process.

As a continuation of the previous discussion, proposals addressing the challenges faced by academics within the university system, along with possible solutions, were presented to the President. In response, the President emphasized that the Government would take all possible measures to safeguard the university system and strengthen education.

The discussion also covered proposed amendments to the Universities Act.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake noted that, in the aftermath of the recent disaster, the Government has been effectively implementing a nationwide rebuilding programme, addressing economic stability, development and all critical sectors. The President also called upon university academics to actively support these reconstruction efforts.

The meeting was attended by Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation, Anura Karunathilaka, as well as representatives of the Federation of University Teachers’ Associations, including its President, Prof. P. R. Weerathunga, Vice President M. A. M. Sameem and Secretary Charudaththe Ilangasinghe.