October 16, Colombo (LNW): Minister Vijitha Herath has announced that the government plans to resume vehicle imports under a carefully structured procedure, ensuring that the country’s foreign reserves are not strained, preventing a recurrence of the dollar crisis.
Herath emphasized that while the government acknowledges the growing demand for vehicle imports, it remains committed to doing so responsibly. “We are of the view that vehicle imports should be permitted,” he stated, adding that although a Cabinet decision was made earlier regarding the matter, no vehicles have been imported since the government took office, nor have any imports been allowed under tariff concessions.
The Minister reiterated that the government is still evaluating the best approach to vehicle imports, focusing on preserving economic stability and avoiding unnecessary pressure on foreign reserves.