Industry leaders are raising concerns over delays in decision-making within the Ministry of Finance, particularly regarding vehicle imports, which they say have hindered the growth and operations of importers.
Prasad Kulatunga, Secretary of the Lanka Vehicle Importers Association (VIAL), voiced his concerns during the association’s recent annual general meeting, highlighting that the slow pace of decisions is severely affecting the sector.
He said that the current delays have made it increasingly difficult for vehicle importers to resolve critical issues, pointing to recent experiences with vehicle imports as evidence of the ongoing challenges.
Meanwhile, VIAL Chairman Indika Sampath Merenchige, said that although vehicle imports had resumed after a five-year hiatus, the country’s current governance structure—where responsibilities are assigned to officials rather than ministers—was proving problematic.
Merenchige noted that the President, who holds ultimate responsibility for the Finance Ministry, is often too busy to manage the day-to-day issues, and Deputy Ministers have not taken adequate action on the matter. As a result, decisions are being made at a sluggish pace, with officials proceeding cautiously, he explained.
He suggested that assigning a Deputy Minister of Finance to address urgent matters could help mitigate delays and streamline processes.
Vehicle importers also noted that efforts by the Ministry of Finance and Sri Lanka Customs to resolve these issues have fallen short, further compounding the difficulties faced by importers.
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