The government has incurred a loss of nearly 490 million rupees due to a manipulation of the computer database of the Motor Traffic Department and dubiously entering details of 14 vehicles for registration, including 11 luxury SUVs. The National Audit Office said
The audit office also revealed that the data of 14 vehicles which were illegally imported into Sri Lanka without paying customs duties or illegally assembled in Sri Lanka were entered into the computer system of the motor vehicle department.
New registration data had been incorrectly entered into the computer system sans the registration fee.
Due to this, the government incurred a loss of 335,300 rupees, which was due to the Motor Traffic Department as registration fees. The luxury tax revenue that the government had to forgo due to this manipulation amounts to 37.50000 rupees.
It has been recommended by the audit that a proper investigation be conducted and legal action be taken in this regard.
The department of the registration of motor vehicles has told the national audit office that only the data of the vehicles that have been linked to the system will be registered after completing the formalities and paying import tax and excise levies due to the Customs department.
Also, out of 14 vehicles, the tax has been paid for six vehicles, and arrangements are being made to collect tax for the remaining vehicles.
The annual audit report issued for the year 2021 by the department of the registration of motor vehicles has details on this matter.
