Reassuring to see current administration upholding same policy on vehicle imports: Semasinghe

By Ajith Siriwardana  

Claiming that the current government appears to continue the vehicle import resumption policy that was originally introduced by the previous government, former state minister of finance Shehan Semasinghe said it is reassuring to see the current administration upholding the same policy.  

Posting a message on X, he said the previous government made the decision to lift the ban on vehicle imports in stages, with the Cabinet approving the re-importation of vehicles under the guidelines of the IMF EFF programme.  

“As a result of the economic crisis, implementation of motor vehicles had been suspended. However, once we stabilized the economy, we made the decision to lift the ban in stages, with the Cabinet approving the re-importation of vehicles under the guidelines of the IMF EFF programme. This approach ensured that foreign reserves were protected, government revenues increased, and the economy remained stable,” he said.  

He said the previous government planned the resumption of vehicle imports carefully, beginning with buses for public transport from October 1st, followed by commercial and cargo vehicles from December 1st, and light vehicles, including cars for personal use, from the first quarter of 2025.  

“It appears that the current government is continuing the vehicle import resumption policy that was originally introduced by our government. However, it is important to clarify that the decision to lift the ban on vehicle imports at that time was falsely presented as a promise made by former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, intended to influence the election by an official posing as a head of the Automobile Importers Association,” he added.  

“Our government always acted in the best interest of the nation, ensuring that decisions were made responsibly and in line with the country’s economic recovery strategy. Our government always made the right, tough decisions to lead the country out of crisis and towards growth. It is reassuring to see the current administration upholding the same policy,” he said.