Hon. (Mrs.) Nilusha Lakmali Gamage

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Speaker, I wish to speak on the Orders and Notices under the Finance Acts — extending the concessionary period under the Embarkation Tax per Gazette 2421/30 of 31 January 2025 under the Finance Act, No. 25 of 2023, and amending the luxury tax threshold on motor vehicles per Gazette 2421/41 of 31 January 2025 under the Finance Act, No. 35 of 2018.

¶ 02 On the Gazette 2421/30: the embarkation tax is a levy collected by airlines or ship operators per departing passenger, unless exempted. A 50% concession — from USD 60 to USD 30 — is extended for one year from 27 March 2025 for airlines commencing scheduled operations from BIA and Ratmalana, and for one year from 1 February 2025 for airlines commencing scheduled operations from Jaffna/Palaly. A full waiver continues at MRIA for airlines commencing scheduled operations, extended to 28 December 2025.

¶ 03 Though this levy brings revenue, in past years collection was ineffective. Extending these concessions will positively stimulate tourism. The Government is providing necessary infrastructure to promote tourism, and this extension is a further incentive.

¶ 04 As pledged in the NPP Government’s policy — “Prosperous Country – Beautiful Life” — steps are being taken to enhance foreign exchange via tourism, including infrastructure at attractions and development plans in dependent towns.

¶ 05 On Gazette 2421/41: amending the luxury tax threshold on motor vehicles (excluding EVs), increasing the exemption threshold by Rs. 1.5 million — effectively raising the luxury tax-free value from Rs. 3.5 million to Rs. 5 million. This is a tax relief, not an increase. It should spur demand for higher-value vehicles, boost sales, and encourage local dealers.

¶ 06 In six months, this Government is taking steps for development. The Opposition, which ruled in rotation for 76 years, now says we made false promises. We remind them it has only been six months; judge us over five years, and the people will answer. In these six months, without fraud or corruption, we are channeling public funds for development, restoring investor confidence lost to commissions and kickbacks.

¶ 07 On rights of women and children, the NPP Government acts sensitively and will keep that trust.

¶ 08 I must also condemn an incident yesterday: an Opposition MP responded in a very low manner to a woman MP’s remarks. As a woman MP, I strongly reject such behaviour. On what basis does he claim she has no right to express views? We tell the people: our promises are being implemented one by one; please support us.

¶ 09 We are implementing benefits equally, without party bias. In the past, only the ruling party’s supporters benefited; people lost trust and avoided participating in committees. We now inform and include all, building trust in development.

¶ 10 We are pleased that, for the first time, university appointments for lecturers were delivered to homes without political interference. The State machinery works properly. The Opposition cannot digest this and keeps saying we give false promises. It is your 76 years of lies people no longer believe.

¶ 11 We will not squander five years nor betray the trust placed in us. We believe people will come to prefer governance that makes elections unnecessary. Watch us: at the end of five years, the people will give the answer. Thank you.