Import of vehicles temporarily suspended

The importing of vehicles to the country will be suspended for six months due to the present currency fluctuation, Vehicle Importers’ Association of Sri Lanka (VIASL) President Indika Sampath Merenchige today said. “The cost of used and brand new vehicles that are imported from Japan had gone up drastically due to the deprecation of the SL Rupee against the Japanese Yen,” Mr. Merenchige said. “But if anyone still wants to import vehicles they may do so, although they will be called upon to bear the increased cost, which could be an increase of Rs.300,000 to Rs.400,000, due to the currency fluctuations,” he said. “Following a meeting between local vehicle importers today a decision was taken to stop the import of vehicles for three to six months until the foreign exchange rates stabilize,” he said.