Vehicle importers charge that a flawed decision on import regulations has resulted in around 400 vehicles being held at Sri Lanka Customs for over 20 days.
Chairman of the Vehicle Importers Association of Sri Lanka Indika Sampath Merenchige said that the requirement to specify either the production year or exact manufacturing date has made compliance difficult. He called for further deliberation on the decision.
Merenchige warned that the situation could discourage potential buyers, urging the government to intervene immediately.
He also noted that demurrage charges incurred during the delay would ultimately drive up vehicle prices.
“Vehicle prices will increase by Rs. 40,000 to Rs. 50,000,” he said.
As a short-term solution, Merenchige suggested that importers could be penalized for the oversight, allowing the vehicles to be released.
The President as Finance Minister and Deputy Ministers must take greater responsibility in resolving the issue, Merenchige stressed. (Newswire)
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