Government Says Vehicle Import Surcharge Is Temporary Measure

Deputy Finance Minister Anil Jayantha Fernando today stated that the government has no intention of restricting vehicle imports or allowing the economy to shrink.

Fernando explained that the recently imposed 50% surcharge on personal vehicle imports was introduced as a temporary measure aimed at reducing pressure caused by the rising US dollar exchange rate by delaying personal vehicle imports for several months.

He stressed that the surcharge was not intended to completely halt vehicle imports.

The Deputy Minister also noted that some consumers had misunderstood the policy, believing it would automatically result in a 50% increase in vehicle prices.

“We have received reports of vehicles being sold at such inflated prices and of buyers paying them due to lack of awareness,” he said.

Fernando emphasized that the government’s strategy is to manage foreign exchange pressures through fact-based policy decisions while discouraging speculation and misinformation that could negatively affect both the vehicle market and the broader economy.