The importing of private vehicles will commence from 01 February 2025, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake announced today.

Addressing the Parliament, President said that the imports will be carried out under a structured programme.

Stating that the vehicle industry cannot remain closed for a long period of time, the President said the government has decided to recommence vehicle imports in three stages.

The importing of buses used for passenger transport and vehicles used for special services was restarted with effect from 14 December 2024, he said.

The President further announced that the government has also taken steps to recommence the importation of vehicles used for transportation of goods and private purposes, with the government proposing allowing the importing of private vehicles from 01 February 2025.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake assured that Sri Lanka will not face a foreign exchange crisis due to this decision.

“Through lengthy discussions with the Central Bank, the government has estimated the amount of Dollars that would be spent due to the importing of vehicles and the impact on the economy. In order to strengthen our economy, we must reopen vehicle imports,” he added