The Vehicle Importers Association of Sri Lanka (VIASL) has called for a meeting with President Gotabaya Rajapaksa.

According to The Island, the VIASL intends to discuss challenges faced by the industry due to the temporary ban imposed on the importation of vehicles.

A temporary ban was imposed from March 2020 as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
The VIASL pointed out that the temporary ban has gravely impacted the vehicle importers industry and all related industries.

The Vehicle Importers Association of Sri Lanka intends to submit a number of proposals to help importers survive while controlling the outflow of foreign currency.

The Association pointed out that the current situation has forced many to shut down their businesses and will force many more to follow suit if the ban continues.

The VIASL said according to its estimates around 100,000 direct and indirect employees will have to be made redundant, while it will result in placing the 350,000-400,000 dependents of these employees in dire straits.

Stating that the Association has a survival plan for the industry and its stakeholders, the VIASL said it would like to submit its proposal to the President’s Secretary Dr. P. B. Jayasundera.

The VIASL further said that despite a request for the meeting being made nearly 03-months ago, they hope the President will agree to meet them at the earliest possible time.