The Parliamentary Committee on Ways and Means has ordered the suspension of the Gazette extending the granting of licenses for importing electric vehicles (EVs) to Sri Lankans employed abroad.
This decision comes as part of ongoing investigations into irregularities surrounding the issuance of these permits, particularly concerning their alleged misuse for unauthorized EV imports.
The directive to halt the Gazette was issued pending the completion of a forensic audit by the Auditor General, addressing concerns over the misuse of permits originally intended for migrant workers.
The Committee's action follows revelations that at least 119 EVs, valued at nearly Rs. 1.2 billion, were imported using permits intended for migrant workers, resulting in significant revenue losses for the government.

The Finance Ministry had previously announced a probe into the matter, with investigations underway to trace vehicles believed to have been sold through fraudulent means.