2026-02-05 / Second Reading Debate: Institute of Real Estate Professionals Bill, Container Depot Operators Licensing Bill, and Licensing of Shipping Agents Amendment Bill - Member Contributions 2026-02-05
Hon. Kins Nelson raised three main issues in his speech. First, he argued that over 1,000 luxury vehicles stranded at the Port—including those imported by approximately 400 private individuals—should be released under reasonable taxation rather than the proposed ~350% duty, which he characterised as excessive, in order to generate government revenue. Second, he reported on his attendance at the Inter-Parliamentary Conference on Human–Wildlife Coexistence in Gaborone, Botswana (19–21 January 2026), drawing parallels between African and Sri Lankan human-elephant conflict challenges, and formally proposed that Sri Lanka collaborate with the EU-linked organisation Inter Pares on a data-driven programme to address the issue; he tabled proposals previously submitted by Mr. S.W. Wickramaratne for the Minister of Environment's consideration. Third, he called for the reopening of campsites and Block 2 of Yala National Park during the current peak tourist season, arguing that their closure discourages visitors, reduces revenue, and inadvertently facilitates poaching.
Mr. Speaker, the previous Hon. Member cited many wrongs of the Rajapaksas; we accept that. In 2005, our party leader Ranil Wickremesinghe contested. We could not even paste posters then because many of you who are in Government today supported the Rajapaksas, enabling them to win by 300,000 votes. Let us remember that.
On an important practical matter: over 1,000 luxury vehicles are now stuck at the Port. Around 400 non‑trader individuals also imported vehicles. As they sit for a year, parts deteriorate and electronics get damaged. The Government can raise significant revenue if we allow their release with fair taxation. Currently, about 300 per cent duty is charged per vehicle and talk of adding a further 50 per cent is circulating. That is unfair. Levy a reasonable duty and release them to generate revenue.
From 19–21 January 2026, I attended the Inter‑Parliamentary Conference on Human–Wildlife Coexistence in Gaborone, Botswana, along with our Deputy Minister of Environment and other delegates from around ten African countries. We discussed human–elephant conflict, protecting crops from wildlife and promoting tourism. The problems they face are much like ours.
I propose that Sri Lanka urgently collaborate with the EU‑linked organization Inter Pares together with our Parliament to implement a programme on South Asia’s growing human–elephant conflict. Mr. S.W. Wickramaratne has submitted many practical proposals over the years; I lay those documents on the Table for the attention of the Hon. Minister of Environment.
Placed in the Library.
Whatever political conspiracies exist, to reduce human–elephant conflict we will need international assistance. Various types of elephant fences we tried have not succeeded. We need a well‑designed programme, based on proper data of elephant, deer and other wildlife populations. I request the new Government to seek such international cooperation.
We also discussed national parks. In many African countries, park management is simple and effective. In Sri Lanka, for example, Yala National Park has now closed all its campsites and access to Block 2 is also closed, discouraging tourists. Not everyone can book bungalows; that is why campsites exist. This is the best season; open the campsites and Block 2 to visitors, and manage the park properly to earn revenue and deter poaching, which thrives when tourists are absent. Thank you.