“Vehicle stocks only last through next 2 1/2 months” Importers
The ban imposed on vehicle imports has had a negative impact on Sri Lanka’s economy, the Vehicle Importers Association of Sri Lanka said.
According to the Sunday Morning, Secretary to the Association Arosha Rodrigo said that the ban has also affected vehicle importers and other related industries.
He further said the Government’s estimation on vehicles currently available in the local market is inaccurate and an overestimation.
President’s Secretary P.B. Jayasundara last month announced that Sri Lanka was in stock of vehicles for the next 2 –years despite a ban on vehicle imports.
However, Rodrigo said a survey conducted by the Vehicle Importers Association has revealed there were less than 3000 vehicles in the local market.
The stock will only last through the next 2 1/2 months, due to an increase in the demand for vehicles in Sri Lanka currently, he said.
Rodrigo went on to say that concerns have also been raised on the procedure through which permit holders purchase vehicles from the local market.
The Government is yet to issue instructions on how importers would be able to redeem the permits, he added.