Vehicle Importers’ Association accuses Govt. of using ‘carrot and stick’ to address requests by MPs

• Criticises Govt.’s vehicle import strategy
• Argues Govt. announcements appear to align with MPs requests for new vehicles made to Speaker
• Reflects deep frustration within vehicle import sector, facing prolonged uncertainty and restrictive policies
• Discloses meeting with State Minister assured prioritising importing buses and lorries, followed by three-wheelers and motorcycles, with cars and vans considered last
• Expresses scepticism in significant price reductions if imports allowed, rather prices might rise 

The Vehicle Importers’ Association of Sri Lanka (VIASL) yesterday accused the Government of employing a ‘carrot and stick’ tactic to address vehicle requests by Members of Parliament (MPs). 

“We suspect that the Government’s repeated claims of vehicle imports is a ploy,” VIASL President Prasad Manage said. 

Speaking to the media he expressed concerns about the Government’s frequent announcements on easing vehicle import restrictions, citing it might be a strategy to meet MPs’ demands for new vehicles.

He argued that these announcements appear timed to align with Ministers and MPs requests for new vehicles made to the Speaker.

Manage highlighted the uncertainty surrounding the actual implementation of vehicle import policies and the potential impact on vehicle prices. 

“We have been waiting for four years to import vehicles. They (Government) announce it will happen soon, but no specific timeframe is given,” he lamented.

His remarks reflected deep frustration within the vehicle import sector, which has faced prolonged uncertainty and restrictive policies. 

He revealed that during the discussions with State Minister of Finance Ranjith Siyambalapitiya, it was indicated that the Government would prioritise importing buses and lorries, followed by three-wheelers and motorcycles, with cars and vans considered last. 

Manage also referenced the Central Bank Governor’s recent comments about gradually relaxing restrictions.

“Vehicles are assembled locally, but none have been exported as of yet. The Government imposes taxes of around 200% when we import vehicles,” Manage alleged.

He expressed scepticism that significant price reductions would follow if the resumption of imports, suggesting that prices might rise in the interim.

“The VIASL calls for clear, definitive timelines and fair policies to ensure stable and transparent vehicle imports,” Manage said, adding that most of the vehicles in the market are worn out and threaten the safety of mobility.