Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Finance has permitted certain heavy vehicles that were imported during the period of import restrictions and seized by the Customs Department to be cleared, State Minister of Finance Ranjith Siyambalapitiya stated.
State Minister Siyambalapitiya stated that buses utilized for public transportation, and lorries and trucks used for special purposes and goods transportation are among the vehicles permitted for clearance.
The State Minister of Finance further stated that the seized vehicles can be cleared with a payment of a 30% surcharge on the cost, insurance and freight (CIF) Value.
The vehicles for which customs declarations have not been issued can be cleared after reporting to the Controller General of Imports and Exports and paying the surcharge on CIF value, he said.
The importation of vehicles, including buses utilized for public transportation, and lorries and trucks used for special purposes and goods transportation was permitted from midnight yesterday (Aug 14), with the relevant Gazette being published today.
State Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya stated that lorries and trucks used for the removal of debris and fire engines are among the vehicles permitted to be imported.
He added that buses have been allowed to be imported to strengthen the public transportation system and to develop the tourism sector. (NewsWire)