January 14, Colombo (LNW): The Department of Motor Traffic (DMT) encountered a 15-month delay in obtaining approval for a proposal aimed at enhancing the department’s revenue, Labour and Foreign Employment Minister Manusha Nanayakkara disclosed.
In a statement, the Minister noted that the approval delay did not deter the subsequent achievement of a remarkable 300 per cent increase in the revenue of the DMT.
It is noteworthy that no blame is assigned to the officials responsible for the prolonged approval process, as this strategic measure contributed to the reduction of the Value-Added Tax (VAT) percentage, he asserted.
Nanayakkara further highlighted another proposal put forth, allowing individuals to obtain custom vehicle number plates by paying a designated fee.
Under this proposal, individuals could invest up to Rs. 1.5 million to personalise their number plates, incorporating their names if desired.
Despite the passage of several months, the treasury is yet to grant approval for this proposal.
Expressing his concern, the Minister remarked that such delays in obtaining approvals indicate a deliberate attempt by certain officials to place the government under duress.
He emphasised that there is a need for legations against these officials to recoup the income lost due to the prolonged approval processes of these proposals.
