By The Pulseline News Desk
Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning Anil Jayantha Fernando has sought to reassure the public and lawmakers that the country’s ongoing currency depreciation is not expected to trigger immediate economic disruptions or import restrictions.
Responding to a question raised by Batticaloa District MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam in parliament, the Deputy Minister has clarified that the government has not taken any decision to halt vehicle imports, despite speculation and public concern over possible tightening of import policies.
“There is no decision to stop vehicle imports. What has happened is only a delay of a few months in placing orders for private vehicles,” he has said, emphasising that the situation should not be interpreted as a broader policy shift.
Fernando has further rejected suggestions that the government is moving toward general import restrictions or deliberate economic contraction. According to him, no such measures are under consideration, and policy direction remains focused on maintaining economic stability while supporting growth.
“Not only vehicles, but no decision has been taken to impose any kind of import restrictions or to contract the economy,” he has added, underscoring that the administration intends to base decisions on data-driven assessments rather than reactive controls.
The Deputy Minister has also outlined the government’s broader economic approach, stating that efforts are being made to expand the economy and attract investment. He has highlighted that policy interventions will be guided by economic indicators, with an emphasis on sustaining external confidence and encouraging inflows.
In addition, he has confirmed a significant fiscal allocation of Rs. 57 billion for fuel subsidies, framing it as part of ongoing measures to manage cost-of-living pressures and maintain energy affordability.
The remarks come at a time when public attention is closely focused on exchange rate fluctuations and import availability, particularly in sectors such as the automobile market, which has experienced extended delays in recent years. While officials maintain that no new restrictions are planned, the effectiveness of current economic management strategies will likely remain under scrutiny in the months ahead.
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