Dudley Sirisena’s Rolls-Royce gets him into tax mess

• The officials imposed a Rs. 70 million fine for wrong declaration. To get the car released, the importer reportedly had to pay a total of Rs. 370 million in taxes and penalties   
• Earlier, a brand-new Rolls-Royce Phantom Series 8 II, a Bentley Bentayga, and a BMW M3 CS were imported to Sri Lanka in May 2025
•  The car was declared at £417,000 (around Rs. 173.8 million) as a standard Phantom. But officials said the paperwork did not show that it was the Extended Wheelbase edition

By Chaturanga Pradeep Samarawickrama   

While many Sri Lankans struggle with rising prices and a weak economy, some of the country’s wealthy appear to be playing a game of “hide and seek” with tax authorities. The latest case involves business tycoon Dudley Sirisena and his purchase of a Rolls-Royce Phantom 8 Series 2 Extended Wheelbase (EWB, 2025).   

Following an investigation, informed sources told the Daily Mirror that the Sri Lanka Customs had fined the importer Rs. 70 million over alleged undervaluing  of the Rolls Royce Phantom Auto car.   

Informed sources said that the Customs officials had become suspicious when they had checked the import papers of the luxurious Phantom vehicle. The car was declared at £417,000 (around Rs. 173.8 million) as a standard Phantom. But officials said the paperwork did not show that it was the Extended Wheelbase edition, a rarer and more expensive version with only 25 units made worldwide.  

The 417,000 sterling pounds assigned for a Rolls Royce Phantom Auto car. But the length and wheel base were larger than the Rolls Royce Phantom Auto model,” one official who was aware of the wrong disclosure told the Daily Mirror   

After physical inspection, Customs officials confirmed the car was indeed the EWB model. The officials imposed a Rs.70 million fine for wrong declaration. To get the car released.

Despite the controversy, Sirisena posted about the car on social media, calling it a symbol of his success and national pride. “A source of pride for me, for those who contributed to this, for Polonnaruwa, and for my country,” he wrote, recalling his journey from pawning his wife’s jewellery to buying a lorry, to now owning one of the world’s rarest cars.   

Meanwhile, Customs spokesman Chandana Punchihewa said the car was only released after all taxes and fines were paid. He also said that no one, rich or poor, is exempt from paying taxes.   

For many Sri Lankans, this incident highlights the gap between the rich and ordinary citizens. While most people tighten their belts, the ultra-wealthy continue to enjoy rare, multi-million-rupee cars, sometimes only facing penalties after being caught.   

Earlier, a brand-new Rolls-Royce Phantom Series 8 II, a Bentley Bentayga, and a BMW M3 CS were imported to Sri Lanka in May 2025, marking the first high-profile return of ultra-luxury vehicles to the country.   

The vehicles were spotted being unloaded from an air cargo shipment at the Bandaranaike International Airport. The delivery is reportedly considered one of the most expensive air cargo shipments in Sri Lanka’s history.   

Meanwhile, the Customs spokesman also confirmed the recent import of the Rolls-Royce vehicle.  

Vehicle released after taxes and fines paid - Customs 

Customs officials stated that the luxury vehicle was released only after all applicable taxes and fines were paid, highlighting that no one rich or poor is exempt from paying taxes.