Business
Vehicle importers on their last legs seek meeting with President
The Vehicle Importers Association of Sri Lanka gave a press briefing in Colombo recently to announce their survival plan to keep the industry going forward ‘making little adverse impact’ on foreign exchange reserves. Pix by Dharmasena Welipitiya
by Sanath Nanayakkare
The Vehicle Importers Association of Sri Lanka has requested a meeting with President Gotabhaya Rajapakse to discuss the challenges facing the industry due to the ongoing ban on the importation of motor vehicles. The import ban, which has been in force since March 2020, has gravely impacted vehicle importers and all related industries.
VIASL wishes to present a number of proposals they have prepared that would allow importers to survive while controlling the outflow of foreign currency.
Vehicle importers as well as related service providers are presently facing severe difficulties maintaining their business premises and paying off bank loans, rent and the salaries of their employees. Currently there are a large number of importers in the country who are without a vehicle in their showrooms and are struggling to survive and to pay their employees. If the ban is to continue they will be forced to close down their business and make all their employees redundant. VIASL calculates that around 100,000 direct and indirect employees will have to be made redundant, while also placing the 350,000-400,000 dependants of these employees in dire straits.
Some vehicle importers as well as government permit holders have opened letters of credit prior to the import ban, and should be provided with the opportunity to import these vehicles. Since all circulars regarding clearing of imported vehicles from Sri Lankan ports were published on a retrospective basis, there are several permit holders as well as importers who are struggling to import the vehicles they have ordered and confirmed legally through a valid letter of credit.
“We have a survival plan that would save both the industry and the country’s foreign exchange reserves. We have made it after serious consideration of the foreign exchange outflow, maintaining the industry at a sustainable level for the benefit of our employees under a well-regulated system. We’d like to present our case to the President and Dr. P.B. Jayasundara. It’s been three months since we made a request to meet with them. We hope that they will lend us an ear at the earliest possible time”, they said.
Associated Motorways (AMW), Yamaha’s exclusive Sri Lankan distributor for over 75 years, celebrated the brand’s grand return after a five-year hiatus due to import restrictions. Marking the occasion, AMW hosted a groundbreaking fashion-themed launch event on 14th June 2025 at Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo, unveiling a new lineup of fuel-efficient motorcycles and scooters, including the standout Yamaha RayZR 125 (71km/l).
Beyond specs, Yamaha’s “Built to Ride” campaign highlights the passion and resilience of Sri Lankan riders, focusing on emotion over mechanics. Andre Bonthuys, AMW’s Group Managing Director, emphasized Yamaha’s commitment to redefining the riding experience. Backed by AMW’s service excellence and global “Kando” philosophy, Yamaha’s return promises to revitalize Sri Lanka’s two-wheeler market with performance, innovation, and style.
In a historic move that redefines rural financial security, Pelwatte Dairy Industries has announced the launch of Sri Lanka’s first pension scheme for dairy farmers, reinforcing its commitment to both national self-sufficiency and the welfare of the farming community.
Pelwatte Dairy, one of Sri Lanka’s foremost homegrown dairy brands, has long been a pillar in the push to replace imported dairy with locally produced milk, saving the nation billions in foreign exchange. Milk powder production is expected to increase by 80% upon completion of the new Kurunegala processing facility, supporting local demand and opening up new export opportunities.
This landmark pension initiative will benefit over 30,000 registered dairy farmers working with Pelwatte. Designed to offer financial stability post-retirement, the scheme ensures these vital contributors to Sri Lanka’s food security can live out their later years with dignity and peace of mind. Additional benefits will support health, education, and safety for the farmers’ families setting a new standard for agricultural welfare in the region.
“This is a defining milestone not just for Pelwatte, but for the entire Sri Lankan dairy sector,” said Ariyasheela Wickramanayake, Chairman of Pelwatte Dairy. “It is our corporate responsibility to safeguard those who work tirelessly to feed the nation.”
Akmal Wickramanayake, Managing Director, added: “We see this as more than a welfare initiative. It’s an investment in rural development, sustainable agriculture, and national economic resilience.”
CEEDECS Lanka Holdings Pvt. Ltd., a leading Sri Lankan construction firm, has been honored with the Best National Industry Brand Award in the Mining and Allied Industry Sector (Medium Scale) at the National Industry Brand Excellence Awards, organized by the Industrial Development Board. The award recognizes their eco-friendly brand, Harithaweli Ready Mix, which offers sustainable alternatives to traditional sand-based construction materials.
Founded in 1999 and based in Mahara, Kadawatha, CEEDECS has over 20 years of expertise in construction, consultancy, and design. Harithaweli’s products—including Ready-Mix Plaster, Waterproof Solutions, and Tile Adhesives—are durable, affordable, and environmentally friendly, gaining popularity among builders and contractors.
With 21 showrooms nationwide and multiple quality certifications, CEEDECS continues to expand its reach.
At least one person killed, several injured, after earthquake hits Peru
Numerous Clean Sri Lanka initiatives were implemented in Anuradhapura during Poson week
Workshop on the use of AI to enhance the efficiency and productivity of the public service
-
Features3 days agoThey came, they won, they returned to Jaffna isles
-
News5 days agoUK confirms ongoing war crimes investigation into British mercenaries in Sri Lanka
-
News3 days agoITAK candidate elected B’caloa Mayor as NPP seeks alliance with Pillayan
-
Features6 days agoFrom economic accountability to war-time accountability
-
Features6 days agoSinging Chef’s daughter… in the spotlight again
-
Opinion4 days agoProf. Dissanayake honoured for oustanding contribution to Sinhala literature
-
Editorial6 days agoPoya pardon controversy
-
Opinion6 days agoCelebrating Arrival of Buddhism in Sri Lanka