Sri Lankan MPs to get standardized double cabs instead of luxury SUVs. New government abolishes duty-free car permits worth millions of rupees.
Revolutionary Change in Parliamentary Privileges Under National People’s Power Leadership
The Sri Lankan government has announced a major policy shift that will transform how Members of Parliament receive official vehicles. The National People’s Power (NPP) government plans to import double cab vehicles for all MPs, replacing the controversial duty-free luxury car permit system that allowed parliamentarians to import expensive vehicles or sell permits for millions of rupees.
Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala, who oversees parliamentary affairs, confirmed the government’s intention to provide standardized double cab vehicles to all 225 MPs. This decision marks a significant departure from the previous system that often sparked public outcry over extravagant spending during economic hardship.
The End of Duty-Free Luxury Car Permits
The previous government allowed MPs to import vehicles duty-free, a system that became highly controversial. Many lawmakers used these permits to import luxury SUVs and high-end cars worth millions of rupees. Even more concerning, some MPs sold these permits to private individuals, creating a profitable side business that undermined the system’s original purpose.
The new NPP government has completely abolished this duty-free permit system, demonstrating its commitment to reducing unnecessary privileges and controlling government expenditure. This change affects all 159 government MPs who will now receive standardized official vehicles instead of choosing their own luxury imports.
Double Cab Vehicles: A Practical Solution
The government’s choice of double cab vehicles represents a practical approach to parliamentary transportation needs. Double cabs offer several advantages:
Versatility and Functionality Double cab vehicles provide both passenger and cargo space, making them suitable for MPs who need to transport documents, equipment, or materials for their parliamentary duties. These vehicles typically seat four to five people comfortably while maintaining cargo capacity.
Cost-Effectiveness Compared to luxury SUVs and high-end sedans previously imported by MPs, double cabs offer significant cost savings. The government can purchase these vehicles in bulk, potentially negotiating better prices and ensuring uniformity across the parliamentary fleet.
Durability and Maintenance Double cab vehicles are built for durability and typically have lower maintenance costs than luxury vehicles. This choice ensures long-term savings for the government while providing reliable transportation for MPs.
Timeline and Implementation Details
Minister Wijepala emphasized that while the government has decided on this policy direction, the exact timeline remains uncertain. “At the moment we have such an idea. But we have not yet decided when it will be done. We do not know whether it will be this year or next year,” he stated.
NPP Kurunegala District MP Dharmapriya Dissanayake has indicated that all MPs will receive new vehicles in the coming months, suggesting implementation may happen sooner than initially indicated. The government faces the challenge of procuring 225 vehicles while managing foreign exchange resources carefully.
Context of Vehicle Import Restrictions
Sri Lanka’s vehicle import policy has undergone dramatic changes in recent years. The country banned vehicle imports in 2020 due to severe foreign exchange shortages during the economic crisis. This five-year ban aimed to preserve precious foreign reserves as the economy deteriorated.
The government began lifting import restrictions in stages, with personal vehicle imports resuming on February 1, 2025. However, import duties of up to 300% make vehicle imports extremely expensive for ordinary citizens.
The timing of the MP vehicle allocation plan coincides with these broader import policy changes. The government must balance providing necessary transportation for parliamentarians while maintaining its cautious approach to vehicle imports to protect foreign reserves.
Broader Austerity Measures for MPs
The vehicle policy change is part of a comprehensive austerity program targeting parliamentary privileges. The NPP government has implemented several cost-cutting measures:
Meal Charges at Parliament MPs now pay Rs. 2,000 for two meals, including breakfast, lunch, and evening tea at the Parliament cafeteria. This represents a significant change from previous subsidized or free meal arrangements.
Reduced Insurance Coverage The government has cut the value of insurance coverage provided to MPs, reducing another traditional benefit that added to parliamentary expenses.
Pension System Reforms Plans are underway to abolish pensions for MPs and former heads of state. This major reform could save substantial government funds over the long term while ensuring parliamentary service is viewed as public duty rather than a path to lifetime benefits.
Public Response and Political Implications
The vehicle policy has generated mixed reactions from different quarters. Supporters praise the government’s commitment to reducing wasteful spending and treating public resources responsibly. Critics argue that MPs need reliable transportation to effectively serve their constituencies, particularly those representing remote areas.
The policy change aligns with the NPP’s election promises to reduce government waste and eliminate corruption. By standardizing MP vehicles and ending the permit system, the government addresses public concerns about parliamentary privileges during economic hardship.
Economic Impact and Foreign Exchange Considerations
The decision to import double cabs for MPs will require careful foreign exchange management. The government must balance providing necessary vehicles while maintaining its cautious approach to imports. The Ministry of Finance has already directed state institutions to auction high-capacity vehicles, particularly V8 engines, by March 1, 2025, showing commitment to reducing the government vehicle fleet’s overall cost and environmental impact.
Bulk purchasing of standardized vehicles could provide economies of scale, reducing per-unit costs compared to individual luxury vehicle imports. This approach also simplifies maintenance, spare parts procurement, and driver training across the parliamentary fleet.
Environmental Considerations
The shift to double cab vehicles may offer environmental benefits compared to large luxury SUVs previously favored by some MPs. Modern double cabs typically have better fuel efficiency than full-size SUVs while providing adequate space and functionality for official duties.
This change supports broader government efforts to promote more sustainable transportation choices within the public sector. The standardization also enables better monitoring of fuel consumption and maintenance across the parliamentary fleet.
Challenges and Implementation Issues
Several challenges face the government in implementing this vehicle allocation program:
Procurement Timeline Importing 225 vehicles requires significant planning and coordination with suppliers. The government must ensure adequate foreign exchange allocation while meeting quality and safety standards.
Maintenance Infrastructure Establishing maintenance facilities and training mechanics for the new vehicle fleet requires investment in infrastructure and human resources. The government must plan for long-term servicing needs.
Distribution and Management Allocating vehicles fairly among 225 MPs from different parties and regions requires careful planning to avoid political disputes or perceptions of favoritism.
Comparison with Previous Systems
The contrast between the new system and previous arrangements highlights the policy shift’s significance:
Old System Characteristics:
- Individual choice of luxury vehicles
- Duty-free import privileges worth millions
- Permit trading opportunities
- High maintenance and fuel costs
- Public criticism over extravagance
New System Features:
- Standardized double cab vehicles
- Government bulk procurement
- No permit trading possibilities
- Lower operational costs
- Reduced public criticism potential
Regional and International Context
Sri Lanka’s approach to parliamentary vehicles reflects broader regional trends toward government austerity and transparency. Other South Asian countries have similarly reviewed parliamentary privileges amid economic challenges and public demands for accountability.
The policy change demonstrates the NPP government’s commitment to implementing campaign promises and addressing public concerns about government spending priorities during economic recovery.
Future Implications and Monitoring
The success of this vehicle allocation program will likely influence other government fleet management decisions. If implemented effectively, it could serve as a model for standardizing vehicles across other government departments and institutions.
Monitoring mechanisms should track the program’s cost-effectiveness, maintenance requirements, and impact on parliamentary productivity. This data will inform future decisions about government vehicle policies and resource allocation.
Sri Lanka’s plan to provide double cab vehicles for all MPs represents a significant policy shift that prioritizes practicality over privilege. By ending the controversial duty-free luxury car system and implementing standardized vehicle allocation, the NPP government demonstrates its commitment to responsible resource management and reducing government waste.
The policy faces implementation challenges, particularly regarding foreign exchange management and procurement logistics. However, if executed successfully, it could serve as a model for balanced approaches to providing necessary facilities for elected representatives while maintaining fiscal responsibility.
The vehicle policy change reflects broader transformations in Sri Lankan governance, emphasizing transparency, accountability, and efficient resource utilization. As the government continues implementing austerity measures across parliamentary privileges, public attention will focus on whether these reforms deliver promised savings while maintaining effective governance standards.
The ultimate success of this initiative will depend on careful implementation, effective monitoring, and the government’s ability to balance practical transportation needs with fiscal constraints and public expectations. The policy represents an important test of the NPP government’s commitment to its reform agenda and responsible governance principles.