In what seemed to a paradigm shift in the import policy of the government, Deputy Minister of Finance, Dr. Sarath Amunugama, yesterday said that plans were afoot to cut down vehicle imports by 30 per cent in the near future and to assemble them locally.
Dr. Amunugama, who was responding an oral question raised by UNP MP Buddhika Pathirana in Parliament, said that an assembling plant was already being constructed in Polgahawela. He said that the Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) which Sri Lanka had signed with countries such as India and Pakistan would contribute towards the industry as these agreements make the importation of vehicle parts easier.
Dr. Amunugama said that Sri Lanka had imported 27,898 jeeps and cars in 2013 while 26,133 such vehicles have been imported in 2012. The number of vehicles imported in 2011 had been 56,258. The expenditure on imports which the county was forced to incur for getting down cars and jeeps in 2013 had been US $ 467 million while a sum of US $ 364 million had also been spent in 2012. The amount spent for the importation of jeeps and cars in 2011 had been $ 697 million.
The Deputy Minister said that the government had adjusted its import tax policy in order to reduce the negative impact which the vehicle importation had made to the country’s balance of payments. (Yohan Perera)
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The Government has decided to postpone the opening of the Galle -- Matara section of the Southern Expressway by another month. This section was to be commissioned on January 31 by the President.
This move has been prompted by the delay in completing the access point from Nupe Junction in Matara to Godagama and the landscaping of the stretch of land from Pinnaduwa to Godagama.
Presidential coordinator Ven. Getamanne Gunanada Thera said the opening was scheduled to take place during the first week of March this year.
Government sources indicate that this section of the Southern Expressway would be commissioned before the elections to the Southern Provincial Council.
Meanwhile the delay had attracted a large number of peacocks to this section of the highway and the peacocks entertain the visitors with a colourful dance, which is a wonderful sight for tired eyes.
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