LNP - Some 400 vehicles stuck at Customs due to import rule change: VIAL

The Vehicle Importers Association of Lanka (VIAL) claimed today that around 400 vehicles have been stuck at the Sri Lanka Customs for over 20 days due to a change in import regulations. VIAL Chairman Indika Sampath Merenchige said that the requirement to specify either the production year or exact manufacturing date has created compliance challenges. He urged authorities to reconsider the decision. Merenchige warned that the delay could discourage potential buyers and called for immediate government intervention. He also noted that demurrage costs from the hold-up would increase vehicle prices by Rs. 40,000 to Rs. 50,000. As a short-term solution, he suggested penalizing importers for non-compliance rather than holding the vehicles indefinitely. Merenchige emphasized that the President, as Finance Minister, along with Deputy Ministers, must take responsibility for resolving the issue.