Will import vehicles for less than 80% of existing market rates: Roshan Ranasinghe

Colombo, September 6 (Daily Mirror) - Parliamentarian Roshan Ranasinghe today announced a new vehicle import policy and said that he can import vehicles at prices up to 80 percent lower than the current market rates.

Speaking to the media, he said that none of the candidates have included a vehicle import plan in their manifestos. He also criticised past rulers for importing luxury vehicles for themselves while not providing citizens the opportunity to purchase vehicles at more affordable prices.

"The vehicle import policy will be announced alongside the economic policy in the coming days.

"According to my manifesto, after assuming the Presidency, I plan to open the market for the import of Japanese-made vehicles that are 15 years old from their date of manufacture," Ranasinghe said.

"For example, a 2010 Toyota Prius would cost Rs. 2.2 million to import, including battery replacement, new tires, and 50% government tax. Currently, the cost to import the same model is around Rs. 20 million. Accordingly, a 2010 Toyota Aqua would be imported for Rs. 17 million, a used Toyota Hilux double cab for Rs. 6 million, and a Suzuki Wagon R for Rs. 1.5 million. A Suzuki Every van would cost Rs. 1.5 million to import, a Daihatsu Hijet Lorry Rs. 1.7 million, and a Toyota Hiace KDH would come in at Rs. 5 million. The Toyota Coaster minibus would be imported for Rs. 5.7 million, an Isuzu tipper truck for Rs. 4 million, and a Mitsubishi Canter tipper for Rs. 3.8 million," he detailed.

"Although we are facing a dollar crisis, we still need vehicles to drive development in the country. Therefore, it is better to boost local manufacturing, including essential goods, before importing vehicles at such high costs. If we open the market for the aforementioned vehicle models, we would spend no more than USD 20 million, which is far less than the previous amount spent on imports," he explained.

"The country should be open to imports, including vehicles, but those in power don't want to see that progress. They continue to burden the people," he concluded.