Megapolis and Western Development Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka said that new tenders should be called for emission testing since the seven year period allowed initially has now expired.

Speaking to Asian Mirror, Ranawaka pointed out that two companies were initially chosen for this based on the financial and technical capabilities.

Ranawaka was the Minister for Environment when it emission testing was introduced.

He maintained that emission testing has helped improve the air quality in Colombo, which was extremely poor before it was introduced.

Commenting on the increased charges imposed on emission testing through the 2016 Budget, Ranawaka said that the increase will completely add to government revenue. The companies will not get a share of the increment of the charges, he added.