Sri Lankans will soon have the freedom to own and use vehicles of their choice as the government continues to ease restrictions on vehicle imports, Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath said.
Speaking as the chief guest at the “Motor Rally 2026” Vehicle Exhibition Parade organized by the Sri Lanka Auto Importers Association (CAIA) on Sunday, Herath said the government was committed to creating conditions where citizens could travel conveniently in their own vehicles and attend to their daily needs with greater ease.
The Minister recalled that vehicle imports had been completely suspended just two years ago, leaving no possibility of importing vehicles into the country. However, he said the government had managed to resume imports within a relatively short period.
He said Sri Lanka now has the opportunity to import different types of vehicles, although certain temporary restrictions remain due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Herath stressed that these limitations were short-term and would be lifted, adding that the ability to resume vehicle imports was made possible by strengthening the country’s economy.
“With your support we have strengthened the economy and are furthering it. As such, people will be able to use the vehicle of their wish in the near future,” he said.
The Foreign Minister also said broader reforms were necessary to create an environment where citizens could live more comfortably and travel freely, assuring that the government remained committed to implementing those changes.
