The Hon. (Prof.) Anil Jayantha

¶ 01 Hon. Member, we operate under an agreed IMF programme. As the economy gradually expands, we recognize vehicle imports were halted for years; limited reopening is warranted for reasons including economic activity. Proposals prioritize: - Transport essential to the economy, - Goods transport, - Then private transport.

¶ 02 We cannot fully reopen at once. Foreign reserves, though above USD 6 billion, cannot be entirely used for vehicle imports. Meeting pent-up demand at once would drain reserves. We will proceed prudently, guided by advice and analysis from the Finance Ministry and Central Bank.

¶ 03 The social media claim that prices were raised to protect leasing firms is incorrect. An IMF-consistent measure is to align administered prices with inflation indices annually (e.g., tobacco, liquor, vehicles, electronics). Using the average inflation (about 1.98% plus 4% adjustment) led to price revisions. That may have increased market prices, but no decision was taken to benefit any selected group. The NPP Government will not act to favour or undermine any group; decisions are made considering the whole economy.