By: Staff Writer
March 04, Colombo (LNW): The government has lifted its long-standing vehicle import ban, setting the stage for potential economic instability within the next year. Experts warn that if pent-up demand from previous years is unleashed too quickly, the crisis could emerge within months.
The primary motive behind lifting the restriction is not merely to meet consumer demand but to generate revenue from import tariffs. This revenue is crucial for financing promised salary hikes, tax reductions, and financial aid for farmers and fishermen.
Following the policy change, the Hambantota International Port (HIP) received its first vehicle shipment on Thursday.
The vessel MV Jupiter Leader, operated by NYK Lanka Ltd., delivered 378 vehicles from Japan, of which 196 were designated for the local market. The consignment included popular models such as Land Cruisers, Hilux cabs, Prado SUVs, Toyota sedans, and Suzuki Alto mini cars. Additionally, the port handled 2,318 vehicles, transshipping 1,940 units to African markets.
The HIP is fully equipped to manage the anticipated surge in vehicle imports. With world-class infrastructure and a skilled workforce, the port has implemented specialized facilities for efficient clearance.
A dedicated customs inspection bay, featuring 24/7 CCTV surveillance and high-intensity lighting, ensures compliance checks. Secure storage facilities have been arranged for vehicles awaiting clearance, including additional temporary storage for new imports.
To facilitate importers and clerks, the port has established designated areas with basic amenities and Vehicle Processing Stations to streamline paperwork.
A newly developed vehicle import yard, with a capacity for approximately 4,000 vehicles, has been introduced to accommodate both local and transshipment units. Access to this yard remains restricted to authorized personnel.
Since 2018, HIP has played a significant role in Sri Lanka’s automotive logistics sector. A $10 million investment in infrastructure upgrades aims to further enhance the port’s ability to handle increased demand. Its strategic location and commitment to efficient operations reinforce its status as a key gateway for vehicle imports.
However, economic analysts express grave concerns over the financial repercussions of lifting the import ban.
The government’s dependency on import tariff revenue to fund essential salary increments and tax reductions poses a serious risk.
If vehicle imports proceed unchecked, the resulting outflow of foreign currency could destabilize the exchange rate, weaken the rupee, and contribute to inflation.
While macroprudential policies like Loan-to-Value (LTV) ratios could be employed to limit excessive imports, such measures would simultaneously reduce tariff revenue.
This places the government in a precarious position: unrestricted vehicle imports could lead to significant rupee depreciation, while restricting imports would create a shortfall in funds needed for approved salary hikes and tax reductions.
If the dollar outflow accelerates, it could deplete foreign exchange reserves, particularly if the central bank intervenes to stabilize the rupee. However, IMF policies discourage direct intervention in the foreign exchange market, advocating for natural exchange rate adjustments. A sharp rupee depreciation would likely lead to inflation, exacerbating the financial burden on consumers. Ultimately, the government faces a challenging dilemma. It must balance the need for tariff revenue with the risk of economic instability. Whether through controlled import measures or alternative revenue streams, a strategic approach is crucial to avoiding a full-blown financial crisis.
