The Hon. Riyas Farook

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Speaker, at this time when Regulations issued under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act, No. 1 of 1969 are presented for parliamentary approval, I thank you for the opportunity to speak.

¶ 02 In the Kandy District, which I represent, export products capable of earning additional income — tea, pepper, coffee and others — have long had demand. However, in the past, lowering quality and adulteration of these exports led to price declines and setbacks.

¶ 03 Our Government is prioritizing tourism and exports. Yesterday, I, Hon. Thushari Jayasinghe and Hon. Danura Disanayake met the Deputy High Commissioner at the Australian High Commission. Just as Ceylon tea has a strong reputation, we learned that Sri Lankan coffee also has good recognition, suggesting potential future gains in coffee exports. The Government is paying greater attention to exports, imports, and tourism to develop the country.

¶ 04 Hon. Deputy Speaker, I must also address some import-related issues. We know that with e‑commerce and other channels there were issues in salt and vehicle imports, including shipment departure dates and certain regulatory hurdles in Dubai and Singapore. We reopened vehicle imports not to trouble people, but to allow access. In Japan, if a brand has an official dealer, others cannot import brand‑new units; even “brand‑new” vehicles must be registered and then cancelled, rendering them “used,” and odometer readings are not the basis. In Dubai and Singapore, once LCs are opened, some regulatory issues arise. About 300 vehicles have already been cleared; another 300 are at port. If we delay, demurrage mounts. We have appointed a committee and will resolve these issues within days. Previous governments — in 2015 and earlier — sharply raised duties and doubled taxes mid‑stream, leaving importers unable to sell and vehicles still rusting in the harbour. We are discussing how to release those too.

¶ 05 There are many stakeholders, including in Kandy, facing problems; we have met them repeatedly. We will act quickly to give correct solutions and return vehicles where appropriate. With that, I conclude. Ayubowan.