Nalin Hevage, Galle District parliamentary candidate from the National People’s Force (NPP), has set out a vision for affordable car ownership for all Sri Lankans. Speaking at a recent public meeting, Hevage highlighted the disparity between Sri Lanka’s vehicle prices and those in other countries, where he says a car can often be bought with a month’s salary. In contrast, he claims that many Sri Lankans struggle their entire lives to afford even the basics, let alone a vehicle.
According to Hevage, a Japanese Vitz could be imported to Sri Lanka for as little as 12 lakh rupees. However, he alleges that taxes add an additional 700,000 rupees to the price, making it unaffordable for most citizens. He criticized the current government, accusing it of inflating costs through high taxes and “crooked” practices that prevent people from accessing affordable transportation.
The NPP leader assured the public that, under his party’s leadership, the economy would be structured to make car ownership possible for every household within the next decade. The proposal, he argues, would enhance mobility and improve the quality of life for Sri Lankans, creating a nation where affordable personal transportation is a reality, not a luxury.