Court awaits Customs’ decision on release of detained BYD vehicles

By the Legal Desk  

The Attorney General yesterday informed the Court of Appeal that the stance of Sri Lanka Customs (SLC) regarding the release of detained BYD vehicles belonging to John Keells CG Auto (Pvt) Ltd - over a dispute relating to motor capacity, would be conveyed to court today (24), following consultations with the SLC.  

Senior Additional Solicitor General Sumathi Dharmawardena, PC, appearing for the Director General of Sri Lanka Customs, made these remarks when the writ petition filed by John Keells CG Auto (Pvt) Ltd, the authorised distributor of BYD vehicles in Sri Lanka, was taken up before the Court of Appeal.  

President’s Counsel Farzana Jameel, appearing for the petitioner, alleged that despite an affidavit assuring that the petitioner would provide technical assistance to SLC whenever required to access the vehicle motor capacity, SLC had failed to determine the necessary bank guarantee for the release of the vehicles pending the relevant inquiry.  

Meanwhile, Court of Appeal President Justice Rohantha Abeysuriya reiterated the importance of reaching an appropriate solution without prolonging the matter. 

The Court directed the Attorney General to consult with the respondents, including SLC, and inform court today (24) of a viable solution.  

Accordingly, the matter was fixed for October 24 before a two-judge bench comprising Court of Appeal President Justice Rohantha Abeysuriya and Justice Priyantha Fernando.  

In July 2025, Sri Lanka Customs detained two shipments of BYD vehicles belonging to JKCG. Following the filing of a writ application, Customs agreed before court on August 7 to release 991 vehicles upon a bank guarantee, and a further 506 vehicles on September 3.