The budget for next year proposes the increase of the VET certificate charge from Rs. 1,200 to Rs. 5,000.

The media has reported that the state will get only 10 pc of that amount.

Speaking to Sri Lanka Mirror, the minister said the previous government had permitted private institutions issuing the VET certificate to keep 90 pc of the Rs. 1,200 charge.

The new budget has not given any special privilege to businessman Wegapitiya’s Laugfs or any other company, but has halted the special concession given them by the previous government, he said.

In order to fulfill the many concessions given to the people, such charges will have to be increased, he said.

Not increased yet

Meanwhile, institutions issuing the VET certificate say they are yet to charge the increased payment.

Wegapitiya said they do not have a clear understanding of the increase, and even officials of the Department of Motor Vehicles and Finance Ministry are not aware of it.

Disagree with increase

Meanwhile, joining the budget debate, minister Mahinda Samarasinghe said he could not agree with the increase of the VET certificate charge.

Agreeing with him, JVP’s Vijitha Herath said no country has been able to protect environment purely by raising such charges.

UNP’s Ajith Mannapperuma said the budget aimed for the public welfare.