The Hon. Chandima Hettiaratchi

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, I wish to comment on the regulation set out in Gazette Extraordinary No. 2421/42 dated 2025.01.31, issued under the Excise (Special Provisions) Act, No. 13 of 1989. Let us consider the main objective. With respect to electric vehicles, due to higher sales, the Treasury can get more revenue. Because of the economic crisis, new vehicle registrations were very low: 202,628 in 2020; 33,850 in 2021; 20,511 in 2022; and by September 2023 around 17,547.

¶ 02 Therefore, the Government has taken a risk to move the economy forward by easing vehicle import restrictions. Within that, we must protect our foreign reserves. While taking that risk, we know EV purchases are rising globally; this is a world trend. Our policy statement “A Prosperous Country – A Beautiful Life,” on page 167, highlights energy policy and zero emissions. There are UN accords like the Paris Agreement. The world is moving to a green concept. Thus, Government also uses this as an opportunity to raise revenue.

¶ 03 Further, this new mechanism enhances incentives for EVs because taxes on EVs are still lower than those on fossil-fuel vehicles. Projections indicate EV sales will rise in 2025 and the market segment’s CAGR will be about 2.83 percent. Therefore, we are moving towards fair and green tax policy.

¶ 04 Recently in Parliament, amid the vehicle debate, a fake story capsized the boat. Someone in the Opposition said it was Tamil genocide; another said they were forced not to attend National War Heroes Day. Another said their name was not on the invitation; another said “terrorists”; others said be silent; some said “soldier.” Then finally said Mahinda Rajapaksa is good. Did you forget? At that time the three Marshals were not present at the commemoration. Today, all three Marshals were there. Previously, war profiteers did not bring the true heroes there nor honour them; instead they saluted others. Not so today — genuine officers of the armed forces stood there.

¶ 05 Then they said we do not say “Ranaviruwo” (war heroes). They used other labels. Who abandoned whom? In this House, regarding the India agreement — which is not a treaty but a Memorandum of Understanding — there were lies. We will not sell out our true war heroes nor do cheap politics.

¶ 06 Another big lie about the MoU was spread — that it creates military depots. They said cases cannot be filed, cannot be withdrawn, and both sides must appoint a committee. Hon. Presiding Member, see what “EconomyNext” itself published. I quote:

¶ 07 “Article 12 - Validity, Duration and Termination

¶ 08 12.1 This MoU will come into effect from the date of its signing and will remain in effect for a period of five (05) years. Parties will have the right to terminate the MoU at any time, within three (03) months advance written notice to the Other Party.”

¶ 09 Next:

¶ 10 “12.2 The MoU will be renewed after a review of progress for further periods of three (03) years at a time unless terminated by either of the Parties by giving three (03) months written notice in advance to the Other Party its intention to terminate the MoU through diplomatic channels.”

¶ 11 So it is signed for five years and can be cancelled with three months’ notice. A big lie was told here. From “EconomyNext” itself — either their English is poor or it is political trickery. I table the document published by “EconomyNext.”

¶ 12 Placed in the Library.

¶ 13 This is cheap politics — a heap of lies. We do not do anti-country politics or lie to the people. We are the Government. We act responsibly, respecting the people’s mandate and sovereignty. What we hear from the Opposition is only, “Why not me?”

¶ 14 Thank you.