News
VIASL says about 100,000 employees risk losing their jobs due to vehicle imports ban
By Steve A. Morrell
The continuing ban on vehicle imports has jeopardized the jobs of around 100,000 employees directly involved in the industry and its ancillary services, the key association in the trade warned last week.
“In terms of indirect dependents on the industry, 400,000 persons face the risk of losing their livelihoods as the import ban will ultimately sound the death knell to the trade”, says Arosha Rodrigo, Hony. Secretary of the Vehicle Importers’ Association of Sri Lanka (VIASL).
The adverse effects of the ban will also spill over to tourism, health sector, general transport and allied services that function through the regular influx of vehicles, he told a news conference at Cinnamon Grand Hotel in Colombo.
“At the time the ban on vehicle imports was imposed in March 2020, we sought an appointment with the president to discuss the predicament we are in and the repercussions the ban has on the industry as a whole”, Rodrigo noted.
However, the president has so far not granted an appointment for a discussion, he said.
“Our efforts to meet the President’s Secretary, Dr. P. B. Jayasundara, for a discussion were also unsuccessful”, he remarked.
Rodrigo said that buyers who had secured bank loans to open LCs (Letters of Credit) are now in difficulty as they have to service the loans despite not being able to import vehicles. There are 140 imported vehicles lying in the Colombo port as clearing them was disallowed after the ban came into effect.
He said that the Finance Ministry’s solution to the ban is to assemble vehicles locally. This so-called solution cannot be implemented because world-renowned Japanese and European brands are being assembled in India, Taiwan and other South East Asian countries for export.
Even if Sri Lanka assemble vehicles, they would have to be for export in a competitive market and not for use locally, Rodrigo remarked.
Asked by the media whether there are vehicles being assembled in Sri Lanka at present, he said there is a roll out, but not in sufficient numbers to meet the demand in the local market.
He said before the ban was imposed, around 2,000 vehicles were imported per month.
The VIASL sought a meeting with the President to discuss the creation of a survival plan for the industry to meet their financial commitments, salaries of employees and overhead costs.
“We want to help the government’s efforts to control the outflow of foreign exchange, while ensuring that those who lose their jobs continue in employment to support their families”, Rodrigo added.
Police urge motorists who intend to use the Ella – Wellawaya Road to use alternative roads as there is a severe vehicle congestion due to inclement weather condition.
The oil anointing ceremony for the Sinhala and Tamil New Year was held on April 16 at the historic Rajamaha Viharaya in Kolonnawa, with the participation of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.
Following the chanting of pirith, the oil anointing ritual was carried out at the auspicious time of 9:04 a.m., by the Chief Incumbent of the temple, Venerable Kolonnawa Dhammika Thero.
Speaking after the ceremony the Prime Minister said that:
“The Sinhala and Tamil New Year is one of the most important festivities in our country. It is a celebration with our families, reflecting our traditions and customs while strengthening the ties.
This festival leads the path for renewing unity, love, and bonds stronger. These values enrich a country. Development of a country is not limited by one-dimensional; a true development includes spirituality, relationships, and connections. The reason why we uphold these customs in such ceremonies is to remind ourselves of the significance and to pass on their value to future generations.
Therefore, today marks a significant day. Throughout this week, we came together and engaged in various activities. Followed by, the next event will mark the leaving for employment at the auspicious time and we should start working collectively to rebuild the country.
I wish everyone a New Year that is prosperous, peaceful, joyful, full of strengthened relationships, and most importantly, safe for all.”
The ceremony was graced by the presence of the Maha Sangha, and attended by the Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs Eranga Gunasekara, Divisional Secretary to Kolonnawa Priyanath Perera, Municipal Secretary Nelum Kumari Gamage, and the residents of the area.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
Latest News
Heat Index at ‘Caution Level’ at some places in Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Southern and Eastern provinces and in Rathnapura and Monaragala districts today [16]
Warm Weather Advisory Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology for 16 April 2025
The Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Southern and Eastern provinces and in Rathnapura and Monaragala districts.
The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.
Effect of the heat index on human body is mentioned in the table below and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.
ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated. Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.
Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491.
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