Written by Jiffry• July 22, 2026• 10:32 am• Local • Views: 24

Parliament Refers EV Import Permit Scheme Report to Attorney General

Parliament also approved referring findings from COPE investigations into eight state institutions to CIABOC for further action.

Parliament has approved the referral of a Committee on Public Accounts (COPA) report on the overseas workers’ electric vehicle import permit scheme to the Attorney General for legal observations and any necessary action on Monday (July 21).

COPA conducted its inquiry on October 24, 2025. It examined the scheme that allowed Sri Lankans employed overseas to import fully electric vehicles using foreign remittances. The scheme operated from May 1, 2022 to September 15, 2023.

According to the Department of Communication of Parliament, Members approved the referral under Standing Order 119(4). The Attorney General will now review the committee’s findings and decide on any further action.

Other Investigations:

Parliament also approved another motion under Standing Order 120(4). It referred matters identified by the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) to the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) for appropriate action.

The COPE reports cover investigations into the National Gem and Jewellery Authority, Sri Jayewardenepura General Hospital Board, Land Reform Commission, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka, Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka, Lanka Sathosa Limited, Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment and the National Savings Bank.

Parliament approved both referrals under amendments to Standing Orders 119(4) and 120(4). The House adopted those amendments on April 7, 2026.

The program was introduced as part of efforts to encourage foreign currency inflows while easing restrictions on vehicle imports. Parliament’s latest decision moves those findings to the Attorney General for legal observations and any further action considered necessary.