The Committee on Public Finance (COPF) has been informed that Central Bank officials are not required to obtain approval from the Finance Ministry for purchasing vehicles.

Finance Ministry officials explained that, under the Central Bank Act, the institution functions independently and is therefore outside the Ministry’s purview for such approvals.

They further stated that the Ministry has no records regarding the number or value of vehicles purchased by the Central Bank.

Clarifying regulations, officials noted that a 2022 circular prohibits ministries from purchasing private vehicles outright, though they are permitted to obtain used vehicles or acquire private vehicles through operational leases or rentals.

This information was revealed in response to a query from opposition MP Ravi Karunanayake during the meeting on how Central Bank officials have made vehicle purchases.