One woman was reported dead and 11 others injured in a multi-vehicle collision in the Molagoda area on the Kandy- Colombo main road this afternoon.

According to the Police, a bus plying from Kandy to Colombo had struck two three-wheelers, two vans, a lorry and a motorcycle plying in the opposite direction.

Twelve persons injured in the accident had been admitted to the Kegalle Hospital, after which an elderly woman who had travelled in one three-wheeler succumbed to injuries. 

The driver of the bus has been arrested, while the Kegalle Police are conducting further investigations. (Newswire/ Image- Accident1st)

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Individuals who fail to cooperate with police inspections of houses or vehicles will face legal action, Police Spokesman ASP F.U. Wootler warned today.

Addressing the media, he urged the public to extend full compliance to officers engaged in inspections under the ongoing national program to curb crime and drug peddling.

The Police spokesman said the program involves inspections, arrests, and investigations across the country, and stressed that public cooperation is vital.

His remarks followed an incident in the Minuwangoda Police Division today, where a car ignored orders to stop at three checkpoints. 

Police opened fire on the vehicle over suspicion, exercising their powers under the crime‑curbing initiative.

Two suspects were later arrested in Seeduwa, and the car was taken into custody. Investigations into the suspects are continuing. (Newswire)

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Deputy Minister of Finance Anil Jayantha Fernando has dismissed opposition allegations that Letters of Credit (LCs) were opened for 4,000 vehicles on May 15, the day before a surcharge on vehicle imports was imposed.

Speaking during a televised interview, Fernando clarified that the actual number was far lower.

“The claim that 4,000 vehicles had LCs opened is a baseless lie. The actual number is 1,782,” he said.

According to the Deputy Minister, 380 LCs were opened on May 15, covering 1,782 vehicles valued at USD 23.71 million. 

He stressed that opposition figures were exaggerated, misleading, and completely false.

“By claiming such high figures, they are attempting to mislead the public by creating an illusion that there were issues in the country. The public also falls victim to such claims and ends up carrying out unnecessary purchases and measures, causing them loss. I request the public not to believe unverified statements on social media,” he said. 

The Deputy Minister dismissed the Opposition’s claims, urging the public not to fall victim to false news, especially circulated on social media. (Newswire)

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A vehicle was damaged after a tree fell onto it moments after it was parked under the tree.

According to reports, the incident occurred in Mount Lavinia.

The moment was caught on camera by another vehicle that had given way for the double cab to park. (Newswire)

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The Insurance Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (IRCS) has announced that the credit period granted to vehicle owners by insurance companies when providing motor insurance coverage will be reduced to 30 days.

In a circular, the Commission said the amendment will take effect on May 1.

Currently, vehicle owners have been allowed a credit period of 60 to 90 days to settle their insurance payments. 

Addressing a recent media briefing, the Insurance Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka said that steps will be taken to abolish this credit period in the future.

Association Chairman Lasitha Wimalarathna told the media that the industry is moving towards international standards where coverage is issued only after payment.

“In developed markets, payment generally precedes coverage. As part of strengthening discipline in the industry, we are moving towards that model. Accordingly, from May 1, the credit period for motor insurance will be limited to 30 days,” Wimalarathna stated. (Newswire)

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The Motor Traffic Department is working on a new system to introduce personalized vehicle number plates bearing personalized names, the Parliamentary Committee on Public Funds (COPF) was informed. 

During a recent meeting of the COPF, Motor Traffic Department officials noted obstacles due to the existing, outdated system.

They further said that once the system is updated, the department intends to introduce a special project with regard to the personalized number plates. 

When inquired about the timeline for the introduction of the project, the officials said once the system is updated, the project could be launched within six months.

Motor Traffic Department officials also said that reservations for specific number plates, priced between Rs. 100,000 and Rs. 1 million, are underway, with some people having obtained such number plates for Rs. 01 million.

Providing a breakdown of special number plates, officials said 11 vehicles obtained them in 2023, 46 in 2024, and 692 in 2025, while a further 436 individuals had reserved Rs. 1 million plates as of April 17, 2026. In total, 1,185 vehicles have obtained or reserved such plates since 2023. (Newswire)

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The Finance Ministry has extended the 50% surcharge imposed on vehicles until Dec. 31, 2026.

The surcharge will continue to apply to used and modified vehicles, with Gazette notifications issued in January and April last year remaining in force until the end of 2026. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka has imported more than 220,000 vehicles so far this year, generating Rs. 587.11 billion in customs revenue, the single largest contributor to state earnings from imports in 2025, officials told Parliament’s Committee on Ways and Means.

According to data presented to the Committee, chaired by MP Wijesiri Basnayake, 55,447 motor cars, 7,331 goods transport vehicles, 142,524 motorcycles, 15,035 three-wheelers, and 1,679 passenger buses and vans had been cleared through Customs as of October 14.

Officials said revenue from vehicle imports accounted for 37% of total customs earnings this year, helping the department exceed its annual revenue target well ahead of schedule. By September 30, Customs had collected Rs. 1,737 billion, achieving 117% of its expected target of Rs. 1,485 billion.

The Committee was also informed that a digital e-tendering system would soon be introduced for auctioning confiscated goods, a move expected to improve transparency and efficiency in customs operations. (Newswire)

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Former Minister of Finance, MP Ravi Karunanayake, claims the government is preparing to purchase 1,775 new double-cab vehicles, bypassing the standard international tender process.

Addressing a media briefing in Colombo, MP Ravi Karunanayake alleged that a previous proposal from the government to bring in 2,000 double cabs for Members of Parliament, which was shelved, has now resurfaced. 

“There was a proposal from the government to bring in 2,000 double cabs for Members of Parliament. At that time, I said MPs don’t need vehicles. But if you want to give these vehicles to someone else and claim they’re for MPs, don’t do it. After that, the proposal was shelved. But now, it has resurfaced,” he said.

MP Ravi Karunanayake revealed that the government was planning to procure 1,775 double cabs through a tender process within just 12 days. 

“The original plan for 2,000 vehicles has been reduced by 225, likely excluding MPs. The cost to the Sri Lankan government for these vehicles is Rs. 42.8 billion. What’s concerning is that such a large expenditure is being pushed through with only 12 days allocated for the international tender. According to proper procedures, it should be 42 days. To apply for this tender, a company must have a minimum annual turnover of Rs. 10 billion and must operate vehicle services island-wide. The engine capacity must be 2,500 cc. With these conditions, only one company qualifies to bid,” he explained.

The former Finance Minister went on to note that another issue is that the government has the option to purchase these vehicles from local manufacturers. 

“If done locally, each vehicle would cost around Rs. 16.5 million. But they’re planning to buy them at Rs. 24.5 million each. That’s a difference of Rs. 8 million per vehicle, a one-third markup. No matter who supplies these vehicles, what the government is doing is wrong. Why are we still importing fuel-powered vehicles? If a vehicle runs only 6–7 km per litre, it would cost Rs. 8 million in fuel annually. That’s a drain on our foreign exchange. If we switch to electric vehicles, the cost per kilometre would be just Rs.  4–5. That would save Rs. 8 million annually. Over five years, that’s a saving of Rs. 40 million. That’s not a small amount. We could build another Mahaweli project with that,” he said. 

MP Ravi Karunanayake further said that currently, the Sri Lankan government owns 87,000 vehicles, and in contrast, the government of Australia, a developed country, owns only about 7,800 vehicles.

“If vehicles must be imported, I say don’t bring in diesel vehicles, bring in electric ones. As I said, switching from fuel-powered to electric vehicles could save Rs. 8 million in fuel and another Rs. 8 million in vehicle costs annually. Some may argue that there aren’t enough charging stations. But with the money saved, we could build charging centres across the country. That would be an investment for the entire nation,” he pointed out. (Newswire)

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Vehicle prices in Sri Lanka have fallen by Rs. 1 million to Rs. 1.5 million in recent weeks, according to the Vehicle Importers’ Association of Lanka.

Association President Indika Sampath Merinchige said the drop follows a decline in demand and reduced auction prices in Japan.

Vehicles that were previously sold for around Rs. 10 million are now cheaper by about Rs. 500,000, while those in the Rs. 20 million range have dropped by Rs. 1–1.5 million, importers told Newswire.

Industry sources say the market has slowed down due to a lack of consumer enthusiasm, higher taxes, and new import registration rules. Under a Finance Ministry directive issued last December, all imported vehicles must be registered within 90 days of the customs declaration date, or importers face a 3% penalty.

Importers warn that the 90-day rule and weak demand have caused cash-flow issues for many in the trade.

Meanwhile, Vehicle Importers’ Association said that with prices temporarily easing, “this is a good time for customers waiting to buy a vehicle.” (Newswire)

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The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has strongly objected to reported moves to compel the removal of car passes and permits affixed to the windscreens of motor vehicles, stressing that the BASL Lawyers’ Car Pass has been an essential security and identification measure for nearly three decades.

In a letter addressed to the Inspector General of Police, the BASL said that although no official communication has been made, news reports suggest steps are being considered to prohibit such stickers.

The Association underlined that the BASL Car Pass, issued annually since 1997, serves to identify attorneys-at-law when entering courts, tribunals, and other institutions connected to the administration of justice. The passes are also recognized by law enforcement to ensure access to restricted premises.

BASL President Rajeev Amarasuriya and Secretary Chathura A. Galhena pointed out that the pass was further supplemented with additional documentation after the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks at the request of security authorities.

Referring to a 1995–96 Gazette notification, the BASL argued that applying its provisions to lawyers’ passes would be ultra vires and in violation of the law, since the scope of the order does not extend to BASL-issued car passes.

“We are surprised to see such news items,” the letter said, adding that no steps should be taken to alter the current system, which ensures lawyers can discharge their duties effectively.

The BASL urged the Police Chief to maintain the status quo and confirmed it looked forward to a positive response. (Newswire)

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An analysis of motor vehicle registry data shows Sri Lanka’s vehicle registrations grew to 38,240 units in August 2025, from 35,232 units a month earlier. 

A report by Economy Next, citing an analysis by Colombo-based brokerage JB Securities, states that the growth was driven by higher volumes of trishaws, motobikes and SUV/crossovers.

Three-wheeler registrations rose to 2,497 units in August from 454 in July, while two-wheelers rose to 27,585 units from 26,171 units.

The data shows motor car registrations declined to 2,329 units in August, down from 2,748 units in July, while pre-owned registrations fell to 1,772 units in August from 2,309 in July.

In brand new cars, BYDs increased to 354 units, up from 244 units the previous month, the main contributor being Dolphin, accounting for 307 units.

SUV and crossover registration grew to 3,808 units in August, up from 3,299 in July, while brand-new vehicles accounted for 1,866 units, and pre-owned made up 1,940 units.

According to data from JB Securities, Toyota led the category with 1,238 units, including Raize (789) and Land Cruiser variants.

BYD followed with 1,019 units, driven by ATTO 3 (554) and Sealion 6 (465). Land Rover recorded 38 units, including Defender (17) and Range Rover (18). (Newswire)

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The Sri Lankan Police today commenced its crackdown on illegal vehicle modifications and unsafe driving practices. 

The officers have started inspecting vehicles across Sri Lanka to ensure compliance with the Motor Traffic Act and related regulations.

The following pictures are of the operation conducted in the Galle District.

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Committee on Public Finance (CoPF) Chairman Harsha de Silva has raised concerns over the government’s latest decision regarding cross-border Letters of Credit (LCs) and de-registration requirements related to vehicle imports.

At a committee meeting on Tuesday, de Silva questioned Treasury officials about the status of the review process following CoPF’s earlier recommendations.

“The government has decided to proceed with re-exporting vehicles in line with the provisions of the Act. However, the matter has been challenged in court, so it’s difficult to discuss this now,” Deputy Treasury Secretary Dilip Silva said.

He added, “Nevertheless, the government’s position is clear—vehicles that do not meet import conditions will be re-exported.”

Acknowledging the legal constraints on discussing sub judice matters, de Silva stressed on the need to consider associated issues, such as demurrage costs.

Treasury Secretary Silva stressed the importance of enforcement. “At some point, we must draw the line. Regulations are repeatedly violated and diluted. Historically, violations have been met with fines, but the private sector finds other avenues. This time, the government has decided to implement the Act through re-exportation to instill regulatory discipline,” he said.

“Imagine we re-export these vehicles—wouldn’t it become a fire sale?” de Silva asked.

Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe intervened, stating it was inappropriate to debate the merits of the decision during the session, as the issue remains before the courts. (Newswire)

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The daughter of MP Rohitha Abeygunawardena has surrendered to the Panadura-Walana Anti-Vice Squad in connection with the case of the illegally registered SUV.

She was wanted over the sale of an illegally imported and registered vehicle to SJB MP Jagath Vithana’s son.

The Panadura-Walana Anti-Vice Squad arrested MP Jagath Vithana’s son along with the vehicle in question in the Mathugama area on 19 July.

Investigations found that the high-end Jeep was allegedly smuggled into Sri Lanka and fraudulently registered.

The vehicle was initially registered under the name of Abeygunawardena’s daughter, Melanie, and later sold in October 2024 to the son of MP Jagath Vithana.

At the time, even though MP Jagath Vithana claimed the vehicle was purchased for Rs. 45 million, investigators noted it had been declared at only Rs. 20 million, prompting suspicions of document forgery and tax evasion.

Soon after, MP Rohitha Abeygunawardena’s son-in-law was arrested and remanded over the case, while his daughter had evaded arrest.

However, she has surrendered to the Police today. (Newswire)

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The Colombo Magistrate’s Court has ordered the release on bail of three suspects, including a former Assistant Commissioner of the Department of Motor Traffic, who were arrested in connection with the illegal registration of a motor vehicle.

The suspects, who include two Assistant Managers of the Department of Motor Traffic, were arrested by the Bribery Commission today.

They were apprehended for registering a vehicle with the Department of Motor Traffic and approving the issuance of number plates, despite the vehicle not being cleared by Sri Lanka Customs.

During the proceedings before Colombo Chief Magistrate Thanuja Lakmali Jayatunga, the attorneys representing the suspects requested the court to release their clients on bail.

However, officers from the Bribery Commission informed the court that further investigations were underway regarding the incident.

After reviewing the facts presented, the Magistrate ordered that each suspect be released on bail under a cash guarantee of Rs. 2 million, while also imposing an overseas travel ban. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka Police says the programme to remove unauthorised equipment and modifications on vehicles will be relaunched from 01 July. 

Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police for Traffic Control and Road Safety, Indika Hapugoda, said these modifications include bright lights, loudspeakers, and metal poles.

He further said that it has been observed that such vehicle modifications most often cause severe harm to the victims of accidents. 

“815 pedestrians were killed in road accidents in 2024. Around 800 motorcyclists and pillion riders, aged 18-28, were reported dead last year. In 2024, the Motor Traffic Department identified 8788 vehicles that were unsuitable to operate on the roads,” he said. 

DIG Indika Hapugoda said it has also been observed that accidents are being caused due to unsuitable vehicles plying on the road.

“Therefore, no matter what issues and objections are made, these unauthorised modifications in vehicles will be removed,” he added. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka Customs says that vehicle imports alone have generated Rs. 165 billion in revenue since imports resumed earlier this year.

Speaking at a media briefing in Colombo, Additional Director General of Customs, Seevali Arukgoda, stated that the department is on track to exceed this year’s revenue target of Rs. 2,115 billion.

“In 2024, our target was Rs. 1,533 billion, and we ended the year with Rs. 1,535 billion in revenue. This year, by mid-June, we’ve already earned over Rs. 900 billion,” he said.

Arukgoda revealed that, since the government allowed motor vehicle imports from 01 February 2025, around 14,000 vehicles have been brought in, generating Rs. 165 billion in revenue. 

“We expect this figure to reach Rs. 450 billion by the end of the year,” he added. (Newswire)

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The Department of Motor Traffic (DMT) says over 73,400 vehicles have been registered since January this year following the removal of vehicle import restrictions.

DMT Commissioner General Kamal Amarasinghe noted that the largest number of these vehicles were motorcycles, with around 58,947 being registered.

He further said that, in addition, 7,500 cars and 1,666 three-wheelers have also been registered.

Kamal Amarasinghe pointed out that the highest number of registrations took place last month. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka’s new vehicle registration process is facing delays due to a shortage of number plates, the Department of Motor Traffic (DMT) has confirmed.

In a letter issued to new vehicle owners, the DMT states that due to the shortage, number plates will be delayed. As an interim solution, the department has granted temporary permission for vehicles to be used with a letter that includes the vehicle number and confirms the registration is valid.

This temporary measure is effective from April 28, according to the letter issued by the department.

Meanwhile, journalist Ranga Srilal took to social media to question the planning behind the situation. “The Motor Traffic Department has run out of vehicle number plates. Owners of newly registered vehicles are being charged for the plates but won’t receive them. What planning?” he questioned on ‘X’.

The DMT has not specified when the number plate shortage will be resolved. (Newswire/ AI Image)

ANOTHER CRISIS: While the Immigration Department is still grappling with a shortage of blank passports, the Motor Traffic Department has run out of vehicle number plates. Owners of newly registered vehicles are being charged for the plates but won’t receive them. What planning? pic.twitter.com/cQXDk8JR17

— Ranga Sirilal (@rangaba) May 16, 2025

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