### 📈 Advocata Urges Permanent End to Vehicle Permit "Privilege Culture"

The Advocata Institute has strongly cautioned the government against reviving vehicle import permits, warns that exempting high-ranking officials threatens reform credibility and public trust. • Current Status: Despite a broader import ban affecting ordinary citizens, 1,900 permits have been issued to senior officials under concessional schemes, with 563 permits issued in 2025 alone. • Budget 2026 Commitment: President Anura Kumara Dissanayake declared an end to the "permit culture" during the 2026 Budget, yet recent discussions regarding retired officials suggest potential reversals. • Fiscal Impact: Duty-free permits represent significant revenue loss. Historical data shows tax waivers per MP have ranged from Rs. 66 million to Rs. 98.5 million in today’s terms. • The "Privilege" Gap: While officials seek exemptions, the general public faces some of the world's highest effective taxes on personal transport vehicles, with duties ranging from 125% to 250%. • Recommendations: • Abandon all plans to allow imports under existing duty-free permits. • Replace discretionary perks with transparent, on-budget salary structures. • Legislate a permanent prohibition to prevent future policy reversals. Based on provisional parliamentary statements and 2026 Budget proposals.