VIAL’s Business Conference 2016 echoes need for eco-friendly vehicles

Minister Harin Fernando addressing the Business Conference looked on by Ranjith Halwela, Sri Lanka Treasury, Dr. Lesly Gamini, ADGC, Customs, Jagath, Chandrasiri, RMV Commissioner, Transport Deputy Minister Ashok Abeysinghe, Minister Harin Fernando, VIAL, President Sampath Merenchige, VIAL Secretary Keerthi Gunawardane, JUMVEA President Hiroshi Sato and VEALJ President Priyantha Salpitikorala

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VIAL President Sampath Merenchige presenting the Motor Guide Directory compiled by VIAL to Chief Guest Minister Harin Fernando looked on by VIAL Secretary Keerthi Gunawardane and Treasury Franklin Fernando

The Vehicle Importers Association of Lanka (VIAL) hosted the Business Conference 2016 with delegates from Japan on 15 July at the Galadari Hotel Colombo under the theme ‘Setting Goals Towards Eco-Friendly Auto Market by 2020’.

VIAL President Sampath Merenchige making the welcome speech at the Business Conference said 15 July 2016 was a special day for VIAL as they were able to conduct the business conference on the theme ‘Setting Goals Towards Eco-Friendly Auto Market by 2020’ and  have only four years to achieve that target. 

“As human beings it is our responsibility to create a good environment without pollution and safe guard the fundamental rights of the future generation. As a reputed association we believe that we have taken the initial step to fulfil this target,” he said.

Merenchige said today the world has advanced technology and the country must get maximum use of that technology with regard to vehicles by using eco-friendly models in the coming decades. 

The VIAL President said, “We cannot do anything until we get together and make interaction with the Government. As an association we must encourage the Government to promote and import eco-friendly vehicles to the country.”

During the past, countries that had monopolies over fuel controls had refrained from introducing a new technology and eco-friendly vehicles to the market. But due to the influences of environmentalists and scientists, developed counties have taken steps to introduce high technology and eco-friendly hybrid and electric vehicles to the market. As a result those countries give zero duty and some grants to import such vehicles.

He said the Government too should be encouraged to import eco-friendly vehicles to the country. With President Maithripala Sirisena being the Environment Minister the country must push for new rules and regulations for reasonable less tax to encourage the importation of hybrid and electric vehicles according to the needs of the country, Merenchige added.

Chief Guest Minister Harin Fernando addressing the gathering said by introducing eco-friendly vehicles; the auto market will bring huge benefits to the country. The recent tax hikes made by the government on automobiles was a temporary measure, he said.  The minister requested vehicle importers to have patience and said he was amazed in what the vehicle importers want to achieve in 2020, wanting to go green, thinking about the environment and the next generation. 

“In coming times I am quite sure that your issues will be answered, the market flourish, expectations met and have a beautiful green Sri Lanka for all our children and be an example to neighbouring countries,” Fernando added.

Guest of Honour, Deputy Minister of Transport Asok Abeysinghe addressing the gathering said it is a well known fact that due to the economic situation there has been a decline in vehicle imports to the country. The vehicle importers however contribute immensely to the economy and the government appreciates very much the contribution made by vehicle importers to the country’s economy. Abeysinghe reiterated the fact that what has happened today was a temporary drawback. 

The minister said the country imports around $ 1.6 billion worth vehicles from Japan which stands in the third position of the total $ 18.9 billion Sri Lankan import costs. But the country’s total export income is $ 10.5 billion. Because of this $ 9 billion gap the Finance Ministry has apparently taken measures to reduce vehicle imports. However the minister expressed optimism that due to the economic reforms introduced by the new government within a period of about one year there will be redress to the woes of vehicle importers. 

The minister also said that over 6.2 million vehicles registered in the country and out of this about 4 million vehicles take the roads daily. From that over half a million vehicles are driven on Colombo roads itself daily. Because of this we are compelled to renovate the road network of the country. He said to ease the congestion they would introduce monorail and electric trains to road network soon.

Meanwhile, the Motor Guide Directory compiled by VIAL was launched at the event presenting the first copy to Chief Guest and two tokens of appreciation were also presented to two very important individuals who had done a tremendous amount of work for VIAL, Nishantha Senadipathi and Administrative Secretary VIAL, Sunil Ranasinghe. The sponsors of the event, main sponsor AA Japan, co sponsors JEVIC, Providence Auto, Bureau Veritas, BOC and Cobe Motors and foreign delegates were also honoured by presenting them with tokens of appreciation at the conference.

VIAL formed in 1980 was reorganised in 2012.During a short period of time VIAL has emerged as one of the leading vehicle importing bodies in Sri Lanka with 316 members and growing from strength to strength catering to a large number of well organised commercial entities and all classes of people in Sri Lanka. VIAL has 500 members representing micro, small and medium scale enterprises in Sri Lanka.