The Sri Lankan Government is contemplating lifting the restrictions on vehicle imports, as reported recently. A senior spokesperson for the Ministry of Finance indicated that plans are in motion to ease the vehicle import restrictions, possibly by the end of 2024 or early 2025.

This decision comes after deliberations considering recommendations from a committee appointed by President Ranil Wickremesinghe. State Minister of Finance Shehan Semasinghe had previously hinted at ongoing discussions regarding these restrictions.
Moreover, State Minister of Finance Ranjith Siyambalapitiya affirmed that the ban on vehicle imports would continue to be relaxed in phases, aligning with the needs of different sectors. Sri Lanka initially imposed the ban in response to the economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021/2022, but began granting exemptions in 2023, primarily to sectors like health and tourism.