The government’s stance is that permission must be granted for vehicles to be imported under the first phase of the proposed vehicle import process, Cabinet Spokesman Minister Vijitha Herath said.
Addressing the media today, Minister Herath said that the former government had restricted vehicle imports, but the Finance Ministry and the Central Bank believe that vehicle imports should be allowed under a systematic process.
The Government Spokesman said that, as per a previous agreement, it had been decided to allow vehicle imports under three phases.
Stating that the government is of the opinion that permission must be granted for the first phase, Minister Herath said that vehicle imports will commence under the proposed vehicle import process in the future.
Sri Lanka imposed a ban on vehicle imports following the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic in 2021/2022 and continued with the decision due to the subsequent economic crisis faced by the nation.
However, the then government commenced providing exemptions to vehicle imports in phases from 2023 subject to conditions and based on the necessities of various sectors, such as health and tourism. (Newswire)