Foreign Affairs Minister Vijitha Herath has signaled that taxes on vehicles could be relaxed in the future, depending on the country’s economic conditions.
He added that citizens will soon have greater opportunities to own vehicles as the government continues to ease import restrictions.
Herath made these remarks at the “Motor Rally 2026” Vehicle Exhibition Parade organized by the Sri Lanka Auto Importers Association (CAIA) on Sunday, which he attended as the chief guest.
The Minister recalled that just two years ago, vehicle imports had been completely suspended, leaving no possibility of bringing vehicles into the country.
He noted that the government had managed to restart imports within a short period, and today, the opportunity exists to import any type of vehicle without restriction.
While acknowledging that the ongoing conflict in the Middle East has temporarily imposed certain limitations, he stressed that these restrictions are only short‑term and will be lifted.
The Minister pointed out that the ability to resume imports under a restricted system was made possible because the economy had been strengthened. (Newswire)