By: Staff Writer
July 23, Colombo (LNW): In a major policy decision to facilitate growing tourism sector the government has granted approval for the importation of 1000 vehicles easing import restrictions.
According to the Cabinet decision, permission has been granted to import 750 vans which can seat 6-15 passengers, and are either electric or hybrid vehicles.
Permission has also been granted to import 250 buses that include small buses with 16-30 seats or large buses with 30-45 seats.
Sri Lanka imposed a ban on vehicle imports due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic and subsequently, extended the ban due to the economic crisis faced by the nation.
However, the vehicle import ban has been relaxed from time to time providing exceptions, with the government authorizing select ministries and state agencies to bring in a handful of new vehicles.
In a significant move aimed at enhancing the transportation infrastructure for the tourism sector, Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority yesterday gave away the first 10 approvals for travel and tourism industry players to import electric and hybrid vehicles.
Tourism Minister Harin Fernando handed over the first 10 approvals for travel and tourism related companies to import vehicles on the side-lines of an event.
These firms include; Lanka Sportsreizen, Karusan Travels Ltd., Jungle Beach Resort Ltd., Colombo Courtyard Ltd., Tangerine Tours Ltd., Cape Weligama, Siddhalepa Ayurveda Health Resort, Esna Holdings Ltd., Jetwing Travels and Barberyn Ayurveda Resorts.
On 1 April, the Cabinet of Ministers approved the importation of a total of 1,000 electric and hybrid vehicles, without special tax relief.
The decision allowed the tourism industry to import 750 vans with a seating capacity of 6-15 people and 250 buses, which include both small buses with 16-30 seats and large buses with 30-45 seats.
Speaking at the event, Minister Fernando highlighted the importance of this initiative in addressing the urgent need for modern and dependable transportation options to accommodate the increasing number of tourists visiting Sri Lanka.
“The decision to import these vehicles is a direct response to the pressing need for modern and reliable transportation options to cater to the influx of tourists. It represents a significant step towards boosting the sector with a new fleet of vehicles,” Fernando added.
The Minister said reliable transportation infrastructure is a key factor in promoting tourism and supporting the broader economic growth of the country.
He said already around 25 approvals are made for a total of 110 vehicles to be imported. “We hope to hand over 100 such approvals from this week onwards,” he added.
The introduction of these vehicles was seen as a timely intervention to support the recovery and growth of the tourism sector by the industry stakeholders, where they were battered by multiple challenges since 2019.
