Customs spokesman Seewali Arukgoda stated that rumors’ that the import of motor vehicles into the country has been temporarily suspended are false and baseless.
He stated that the import of motor vehicles is proceeding as usual and clearance activities are also taking place accordingly. However, due to a problematic situation that has arisen regarding the year of manufacture of several motor vehicles that have arrived at the Hambantota Port, the clearance activities of several vehicles have been suspended.
Vehicle importing companies have been informed to submit the relevant documents for these vehicles to Sri Lanka Customs. Until then, the clearance activities of these vehicles have been temporarily suspended and further action is to be taken after the relevant documents are received. Permission was recently granted for the import of all types of motor vehicles.
Accordingly, the first batch of motor vehicles imported into the country arrived at the Colombo Port recently. The second batch of imported motor vehicles arrived in the country from the Hambantota Port last Friday.
Accordingly, he emphasized that there is no basis for the news that vehicle imports into the country have been temporarily suspended and that motor vehicle imports are continuing as usual. Meanwhile on February 27, 2025, the Hambantota International Port (HIP) received its first vehicle shipment following the lifting of import restrictions.
The MV Jupiter Leader, operated by NYK Lanka (PVT) Ltd, arrived at the port, discharging a total of 378 vehicles from Japan, of which 196 were for the local market. Japanese vehicles that arrived for the local market included Land Cruisers, Hilux cabs, Prado SUVs, Toyota sedans and Suzuki Alto mini cars. HIP handled a total volume of 2,318 units for this vessel transshipping 1940 units bound for African markets.
