Govt. assures to address delays in releasing imported vehicles

Thursday, 20 March 2025 04:58 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa says it is unfair to blame Govt. for situation as process was being handled with updated regulations
VIASL claims 400 imported vehicles being stuck at Sri Lanka Customs for over 20 days due to import regulations requiring production year or exact manufacturing date
Reiterates authorities working to review and implement corrective measures to facilitate smooth clearance of vehicles

The Government on Tuesday assured that it would take necessary steps to resolve the delays in releasing newly imported vehicles, if there were any shortcomings in the existing mechanism.

“After a five-year hiatus, the Government has allowed vehicle imports and any procedural obstacle in their release would be addressed promptly,” Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said on Tuesday responding to queries at the post-Cabinet meeting media briefing.

He emphasised that if there were any drawbacks in the existing system, the Government would intervene to rectify them.

“The Finance Ministry and other related institutions would take immediate steps to ensure the release of imported vehicles from Sri Lanka Customs without further delay,” he added.

On Monday, the Vehicle Importers Association of Lanka (VIASL) raised concerns over some 400 imported vehicles being stuck at Sri Lanka Customs for over 20 days, claiming that it stems from a change in import regulations requiring the production year or exact manufacturing date to be specified.

This requirement, they argued, made compliance difficult—a matter that the VIASL also raised when the Government issued the latest Gazette on vehicle imports (https://www.ft.lk/top-story/Sri-Lanka-ends-five-year-vehicle-import-ban-sparking-mixed-concerns/26-772594).

Responding to criticism, Dr. Jayatissa stated that it was unfair to blame the Government for the situation, as a process was being handled according to updated regulations to prevent another crisis.

However, he reiterated that the authorities were working to review the situation and implement corrective measures to facilitate smooth clearance of vehicles.

On 1 February, the Government officially lifted its temporary suspension on all vehicles, whilst introducing nine strict conditions to prevent excessive imports, control foreign exchange outflows and boost State revenue (https://www.ft.lk/front-page/Finance-Ministry-lists-out-9-conditions-for-vehicle-imports/44-772593).

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