14 March 2021 12:19 pm
The Government has not suspended the import of utility vehicle which contribute heavily to the country's development activities, but not the vehicles for personal use, Finance Ministry Secretary of S.R. Attygalle said.
Addressing the media he said the ban would be lifted as soon as the economic situation and inflow of US dollars become normalized when COVID-19 pandemic situation eases worldwide.
He said a discussion in detail was held with the main vehicle importers' associations. We explained the current situation that the country is facing. They also agreed with the Government's decision, he said.
"The vehicle importers requested to grant them a vehicle import licence and to introduce a quota system to obtain permission to import vehicles," he said.
For that, the importers have been advised to come up with a wholesome proposal to consider revoking the vehicle import ban to some extend, Mr. Attygalle said
The Government does not like to hold any imports. However, the import restrictions that were imposed last year are being gradually relaxed, while only the vehicle import restriction that exists at present, he added. (Chaturanga Samarawickrama)