By Saman Indrajith

SJB Colombo District MP Dr. Harsha de Silva told Parliament yesterday that vehicle imports would be affected by unusually high prices. Commencing the Second Reading debate from the Opposition side, Dr. de Silva said that President Anura Kumara Dissanayake had, in his Budget speech, projected a substantial portion of tax revenue from vehicle imports. “What is the feasibility of such expectations, given the current price surge,” the MP queried.

“Who can afford to import vehicles at these rates? I do not believe there are enough affluent individuals in Sri Lanka to sustain vehicle imports at these exorbitant prices.”

Providing examples of the dramatic price increase, Dr. de Silva pointed out that a Toyota Raize now cost Rs. 12.2 mn, a Toyota Yaris Rs. 18.5 mn, and a Toyota Prius a staggering Rs. 28.9 mn.

“Someone mentioned that a Toyota Vitz could be available at Rs. 1.4 mn.”

Dr. de Silva said that the government aimed to increase tax revenue by 1.6% of GDP with a significant portion expected from vehicle imports. However, he warned that achieving that target was unrealistic under current circumstances. The government must reassess its reliance on this sector for increasing tax revenue,” he said.

Giving a significant boost to Sri Lanka’s hydrographic capabilities, the government of Australia handed over a state-of-the-art Shallow Water Multi-Beam Echo Sounder to the Sri Lanka Navy Hydrographic Service (SLNHS) during a ceremony held at SLNS Rangalla today (18 Feb 25). The formal ceremony was held under the auspices of the High Commissioner of Australia to Sri Lanka, Paul Stephens and the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda, marking new chapter in the discipline of hydrography.

The Australian government provided the Sri Lanka Navy with this Multi Beam Echo Sounder to enhance its hydrographic capabilities. This advanced equipment will enable the Sri Lanka Navy Hydrographic Service (SLNHS) to conduct precise hydrographic surveys, essential for creating nautical and electronic charts for international use. The device will also facilitate the production of high-precision nautical charts, ensuring safer maritime navigation.

Japanese Ambassador Akio Isomata this week visited women entrepreneurs in the Mullaitivu district, Northern Province, supported by the project ‘Pathways to Peace’. The visit highlighted the impact of the business development and entrepreneurship trainings conducted by UN Women and Chrysalis with funding from the Government of Japan, the Embassy said.

Implemented across four districts – Anuradhapura, Batticaloa, Mannar, and Mullaitivu -– this initiative has empowered over 460 women entrepreneurs by enhancing their skills in business planning, financial literacy, and product development. These trainings have enabled participants to refine their business strategies, improve market access, and upscale their businesses.

At the event, Ambassador Isomata observed a variety of products manufactured by the women entrepreneurs and interacted with them, learning firsthand about their experiences and achievements. Ambassador Isomata stated: “Japan has been actively supporting women entrepreneurs and their families in vulnerable communities. This project goes beyond skill-building by sustaining women-led businesses, fostering peacebuilding, and strengthening social cohesion. By becoming economically active, women gain greater influence in decision-making and leadership roles within their communities, driving lasting and transformative change”.