The claim that the fee for vehicle emission testing has been increased to Rs. 5,000 is false whereas this increased amount should be in fact paid to the relevant Divisional Secretariats and not to the companies carrying out these tests, said W.K.H. Wegapitiya, the chairman of the Laugfs Group of companies. This is not an income to the company, he pointed out.

He added that the emission test certifications could still be obtained at the earlier prices.

While commenting on Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake’s proposal to open up the sector for more competitors to enter the emission testing market, the Laugfs Group chairman said, “Currently, there are only two companies issuing emission testing certification in Sri Lanka. They were selected from among 19 companies.”

He added that generally in Sri Lanka, when a business succeeds there are more competitors entering the same business and finally making the entire sector unsuccessful. Depending on the opportunities available, anyone could enter any industry or business.