May 26, Colombo (LNW): Vehicle prices in Sri Lanka are expected to increase in the short term following new financial measures linked to imports, with industry representatives warning that tighter regulations and exchange rate fluctuations could place additional pressure on both importers and consumers.
The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) has signalled that higher surcharges on imported vehicles, combined with currency volatility, may contribute to rising market prices in the coming months. Industry stakeholders say the changes are already affecting the cost structure of newly imported vehicles and could slow overall demand in the sector.
Representatives of the Vehicle Importers’ Association of Sri Lanka have appealed to authorities to introduce relief measures, particularly for importers who had already opened Letters of Credit or completed import procedures before the latest policy revisions came into effect.
Association Vice President Arosha Rodrigo stated that the reduction in the loan-to-value (LTV) ratio would significantly weaken purchasing power among potential buyers. According to him, lower financing limits would make vehicle ownership less affordable for many middle-income consumers, ultimately reducing sales volumes and restricting future imports.
Meanwhile, Association President Prasad Manage criticised the abrupt revision of leasing regulations, noting that leasing facilities previously available at up to 50 per cent financing have now been reduced to 40 per cent. He warned that the sudden adjustment has created difficulties for dealers attempting to sell vehicles that had already been imported under earlier financial expectations.
Industry representatives further argued that policy changes of this nature should be introduced with transitional arrangements or concessions for shipments already in progress. They cautioned that without such measures, importers may face mounting financial losses while consumers encounter higher prices and reduced financing options.
Market analysts say the developments could temporarily slow activity in Sri Lanka’s recovering automobile sector, although demand for smaller and fuel-efficient vehicles is expected to remain relatively stable despite the tighter credit environment.
