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Sri Lanka
10th Parliament· 154 sittings on record · 30,475 speeches · latest 10 June 2026

Sitting of Tuesday, 20 January 2026

10th Parliament· 23 debates· 219 speeches· 59 speakers

Source: Hansard PDF (parliament.lk) ↗ ·No. 23200 ·English daily/uncorrected Hansard

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Order of business

Speeches load per item. Summaries shown here are AI-generated and labelled; verbatim text is on each speech page.

  10. 10 Oral question Oral Question: Vehicle Imports and Revenue Collection (Q.38/2026) 11 speeches
    • The Hon. Rohitha Abeygunawardhana NDF

      AI summary Rohitha Abeygunawardhana asked the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development for details on vehicle imports since the reopening of import permission, including the number imported and taxes collected by engine capacity. He also sought expected versus actual tax revenue from vehicle imports, and separate figures for imported three-wheelers and motorcycles, including applicable taxes by vehicle type and engine capacity.

      Public Finance Full speech →
    • The Hon. Nishantha Jayaweera - Deputy Minister of Economic Development JJB

      AI summary On behalf of the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Nishantha Jayaweera answered a question on vehicle imports and related taxation, stating that 451,770 motor vehicles had been imported and listing the applicable tax instruments, including Customs Duty, VAT, Excise, Luxury Tax, and the Ports and Airports Development Levy. He said motor vehicles are taxed by HS classification and engine capacity under specified gazettes, and reported that by 31 December 2025 realized revenue from key vehicle-related taxes was Rs. 904 billion against an estimate of Rs. 441 billion. He also stated that 22,407 three-wheelers and 313,989 motorcycles had been imported, with taxes applied under the relevant HS headings and gazetted tariff codes.

      Public Finance Full speech →
    • The Hon. Rohitha Abeygunawardhana NDF

      AI summary Hon. Rohitha Abeygunawardhana asked the Deputy Minister for details on the total revenue received from vehicle imports, as a first supplementary question.

      Public Finance Full speech →
    • The Hon. Speaker procedural
      Full speech →
    • The Hon. Nishantha Jayaweera JJB

      AI summary The Hon. Nishantha Jayaweera sought clarification on whether the question concerned expected revenue versus revenue actually received.

      Public Finance Full speech →
    • The Hon. Rohitha Abeygunawardhana NDF

      AI summary Rohitha Abeygunawardhana made a brief reference to the total revenue ultimately received. No specific figures, policy proposals, or further context were provided in the excerpt.

      Public Finance Full speech →
    • The Hon. Nishantha Jayaweera JJB

      AI summary The Hon. Nishantha Jayaweera stated that revenue or receipts had significantly exceeded expectations, with Rs. 904 billion received against an expected Rs. 441 billion.

      Public Finance Full speech →
    • The Hon. Rohitha Abeygunawardhana NDF

      AI summary Rohitha Abeygunawardhana questioned the Deputy Minister about the levy imposed on imported vehicles remaining unsold after 90 days from submission of documents to Sri Lanka Customs. He argued that normal clearance can take around 40 days, leaving limited time for sale before a 3 per cent recurring levy applies every 30 days, increasing costs to consumers. He asked whether the Government would consider revising this arrangement.

      Public Finance Full speech →
    • The Hon. Nishantha Jayaweera JJB

      AI summary Hon. Nishantha Jayaweera explained that the 3% surcharge on vehicles not sold within three months was introduced to prevent importers from accumulating large stocks and causing excessive foreign exchange outflows. He stated that Customs data show vehicle clearance usually takes only a few days to about two weeks, even during peak arrivals, and that the measure is intended as a forex regulation mechanism.

      Public Finance Full speech →
    • The Hon. Rohitha Abeygunawardhana NDF

      AI summary Rohitha Abeygunawardhana raised concerns over about 11,000 high-end vehicles imported under the cross-border method and stranded at Hambantota Port for nearly a year. He asked whether, if legal proceedings are ongoing, the vehicles should be auctioned and the proceeds deposited in court to prevent further loss of value, rising demurrage charges, and damage to modern sensor-equipped vehicles from prolonged exposure.

      InfrastructurePublic FinanceLaw & Order Full speech →
    • The Hon. Nishantha Jayaweera JJB

      AI summary A pending court case concerns the matter, and the court has indicated that a resolution should be reached. The Ministry of Finance has issued a circular under which some vehicles have already been cleared, but further procedural discussion was avoided because the matter is sub judice.

      Justice & Human RightsPublic Finance Full speech →