Minister of State for Finance Shehan Semasinghe has announced that the government will be easing import restrictions on 67 commercial vehicles and goods belonging to 299 HS codes next week. This decision comes as a response to the need to balance foreign exchange reserves and ensure the provision of essential services to the public.

In a statement delivered in Parliament, Minister Semasinghe clarified that the government has not yet decided to relax the import restrictions on 304 HS codes related to private vehicles. These restrictions, which were implemented due to the existing shortage of foreign exchange, have affected the customs department and had a significant impact on small and medium-scale businesses.

Minister Semasinghe acknowledged the economic challenges brought about by these restrictions and stated, "As of now, we hope to relax the restrictions other than the restrictions related to HS code 304, especially in relation to these private vehicles. There, other than HS code 304 will be exempted in relation to these vehicles for personal consumption."