Lifting vehicle import restrictions or not: Govt. to decide in August

State Minister of Finance Ranjith Siyambalapitiya yesterday announced that a final decision regarding the lifting of restrictions on vehicle imports will be made in the second week of August. 

A committee appointed to examine the matter has recently met and agreed to submit their final report to the Cabinet by that time.

Minister Siyambalapitiya highlighted that the decision will take into account the country’s revenue situation and prioritise the needs of the people. 

“Vehicle imports will begin with public transport vehicles, goods transport vehicles, alternative vehicles and public vehicles, followed by private vehicles, all subject to regulations,” he explained.

In a related development, earlier the Cabinet of Ministers approved the import of 1,000 vehicles specifically for the tourism sector. 

However, none of these vehicles have been imported yet. The approved imports include 250 buses and 750 vans, which will be subject to the approval of the Tourism Ministry.