Has the government actually suspended vehicle imports?

The decision was made based on a cabinet memorandum produce by the Prime Minister and the memorandum clearly stated the 150 vehicles (50 Ambulances / 50 Water Bowser / 50 Double Cabs) must be imported to the country.

The cabinet memorandum also produced an alternative for MPs who have taken a hit from the government's decision to suspend issuing duty-free permits to import vehicles.

Accordingly, as a solution to the issue, a decision was made to import 399 vehicles under Rs. 3.7 Billion leasing facility offered by the Bank of Ceylon.

However, the order does not include the 50 Water Bowsers mentioned in the Prime Minister's cabinet memorandum and the number of double cabs had increased to 52 from the original 50.

What is even more astounding is that 245 luxury SUVs were also included in this new list.

The cabinet decision reached on Monday (24) only speaks of suspending imports and does not in any way confirm that these imports will be canceled.

Interestingly, the decision on suspending the imports will only realize if the suppliers agree to the said decision.

If the supplier does not agree to the ex parte taken by the government, the bank that offered to open the letters of credit of the LCs will face many issues.