VIAL blames Finance Ministry for delays in imports

Wednesday, 2 April 2025 00:24 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Criticises Finance Ministry for delays and mismanagement in vehicle imports
Accuses Deputy Ministers of acting irresponsibly and failing to resolve key industry issues
Cites lack of coordination in certification and Customs operations
Urges President AKD to appoint competent Deputy Ministers to manage sector effectively

The Vehicle Importers’ Association Lanka (VIAL) has raised serious concerns over delays and mismanagement in vehicle imports, blaming the Finance Ministry for making wrong decisions that have led to unprecedented issues in the industry.

The association claims that the two Deputy Ministers responsible were acting irresponsibly failing to address key issues affecting importers. The Government lifted the ban on vehicle imports after a five-year hiatus on 1 February after careful consideration.

“We need a strong and proactive leader to resolve the ongoing issues and ensure smooth vehicle import process,” VIAL said addressing the media recently.

VIAL Senior Member Keerthi Gunawardena stated that while the Government allowed vehicle imports for two months, the Customs Department has been unable to function properly due to lack of timely decision from the Finance Ministry.

“Despite certain announcements regarding vehicle imports, certain institutions involved in the process have been banned only after the automobiles reached at the Hambantota Port,” he claimed, highlighting the mismanagement by the authorities.

Gunawardena also recalled the challenges faced in 2023, when permission was granted to import electric vehicles. He pointed out that the certification in institutes responsible for issuing quality certificates were the same this time, but Customs, which had been inactive till then, suddenly became operational in a disorganised manner.

VIAL Secretary Prasad Kulatunga said the Finance Ministry’s decision has been excessively delayed leading to prolonged issues for vehicles importers.

He stressed that these delays have negatively impacted businesses and created uncertainty in the industry.

Given the current situation, the VIAL made an urgent appeal to President Anura Kumara Disanayake, who is also the Finance Ministry, to appoint Deputy Ministers who are capable and determined to handle the sector effectively.

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