Ada Derana

Highly Factual

A Gazette Extraordinary has been issued amending multiple import and export regulations, including a key change allowing Bureau Veritas inspection certificates for vehicles imported from all countries. The gazette notification, issued yesterday (19), bears the signature of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in his capacity as the Minister of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development. Under the new regulations, Sri Lanka Customs is required to verify the authenticity of documents online before clearing motor vehicles. Additionally, the Director General of Sri Lanka Customs must ensure that all documents endorsed by licensed banks undergo authentication through online verification. The amendments further stipulate that Bureau Veritas inspection certificates will now be accepted for vehicle imports from all countries. Accordingly, these revised regulations, enacted under the Imports and Exports (Control) Regulations No. 02 of 2025, came into effect yesterday (19), irrespective of the date of issuance of the export inspection certificate. Gazette_No_2428-07 by Adaderana Online

Ada Derana

Highly Factual

Hambantota International Port (HIP) has successfully discharged its second batch of vehicles for the domestic market last week, continuing to strengthen its role as a key hub for automotive shipments. A total of 1,159 vehicles were handled during the ship’s call, which included 462 BYD vehicles designated for the Sri Lankan market. The operation involved the discharge of 490 vehicles and the transshipment of 669 vehicles, according to a statement issued by Hambantota International Port. The RoRo units arrived on the vessel Glovis Century, which has a deadweight capacity of 20,895 tonnes and approximately 10,800 CEUs (car equivalent units). According to Lance Zuo, General Manager of Commercial and Marketing at Hambantota International Port Group (HIPG), HIP is rapidly emerging as a crucial hub in the regional automotive supply chain, particularly in the fast-growing electric vehicle (EV) market. He emphasized the port’s strong logistics infrastructure designed to meet the unique needs of electric vehicles. “This encompasses state-of-the-art mobile car battery charging equipment that facilitates seamless operations and reduces downtime for EV shipments. The battery chargers feature fast charging, smart diagnostics, and safety protections. Additionally, HIP is equipped with specialized towing equipment, ensuring that various forms of EV cargo are managed with the highest level of care and precision,” he added. “Our dedication to providing high-quality amenities for electric vehicles reflects our commitment to supporting the growth of the automotive industry in the region,” stated Lance Zuo. The Glovis Century, which sailed under the Korea flag, arrived from Singapore and completed its operations at HIP before continuing its journey to Sohar Port, Oman, the statement said. Hambantota International Port remains committed to enhancing its capacity and efficiency to facilitate seamless vehicle handling, further positioning itself as a premier hub for automotive logistics in South Asia.

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A few of the new Tata passenger vehicle range customers with DIMO management and Tata officials at the launch ceremony Tata Motors, India’s leading automobile manufacturer and the pioneer of sustainable mobility, along with DIMO, the authority in automotive excellence for over 85 years and the sole authorised distributor for Tata Motors in Sri Lanka, launched the all-new range of passenger vehicles (including internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles and electric vehicles (EVs)) in the country recently. The launch event witnessed the introduction of Tata Motors’ widely successful range of SUVs - Tata Punch, Tata Nexon and Tata Curvv. In addition to this, Tata Motors has also launched its popular electric hatchback Tiago.ev. The current range of Tata Motors ICE and EVs exemplifies the emerging mobility trends with the use of new technologies, distinct design language, best in class safety and groundbreaking performance. Both companies also took this opportunity to showcase Tata Motors’ strong EV portfolio, with an exclusive preview of Punch.ev, Nexon.ev and Curvv.ev. Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Ltd Head of International Business Yash Khandelwal said, “We are excited to be here in Sri Lanka, marking a new chapter in our international business strategy. Tata Motors has undergone significant transformation over the years and there is no better way to mark our return than with a new, game-changing product portfolio. Our offerings are designed to not only captivate the Sri Lankan market but to set new standards—combining bold design, cutting-edge features, top-tier safety and unmatched after-sales support.” DIMO Executive Director Rajeev Pandithage stated, “We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Tata Motors as they become the first passenger vehicle brand to enter Sri Lanka post-market reopening. The brand-new ICE and EV range sets new standards in the automobile sector, embodying innovation, safety and sustainability at a very affordable price point.” All ICE cars from Tata Motors will come with a manufacturer’s warranty of three years or 100,000 km, while electric cars will come with a manufacturer’s warranty of three years or 125,000 km. Furthermore, the high-voltage battery and motor in the EV are protected by a warranty of eight years or 165,000 km. Moreover, customers can benefit from DIMO’s free islandwide roadside assistance around the clock as well as competent technical support from technical experts trained by Tata Motors and dedicated sales consultants and service advisers during their ownership experience.

Daily Mirror

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The Hambantota International Port (HIP) successfully discharged the second batch of vehicles for the domestic market last week. A total of 1,159 vehicles were handled during the ship’s call, including 462 BYD vehicles designated for the Sri Lankan market. The overall operation entailed the discharge of 490 vehicles and 669 vehicles loaded for transshipment. The RoRo units arrived on the vessel Glovis Century, with a deadweight capacity of 20,895 tonnes and approximately 10,800 CEUs (car equivalent units.) “Hambantota International Port (HIP) is rapidly emerging as a crucial hub in the regional automotive supply chain, especially within the fast-growing electric vehicle (EV) market. One of the port’s key strengths lies in its robust logistics infrastructure, expertly crafted to meet the unique needs of electric vehicles,” said Lance Zuo, General Manager of Commercial and Marketing at Hambantota International Port Group (HIPG). This encompasses state of the art mobile car battery charging equipment that facilitate seamless operations and reduce downtime for EV shipments. The battery chargers feature fast charging, smart diagnostics, and safety protections.

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John Keells CG Auto marks a new era in green mobility In a momentous event for Sri Lanka’s automotive landscape, the first shipment of BYD’s cutting-edge new energy vehicles (NEVs) has arrived at the Hambantota Port. This historic milestone, facilitated by John Keells CG Auto (JKCG Auto)—the authorised distributor for the BYD vehicles in Sri Lanka—ushers in a new era of sustainable mobility and innovation. The shipment includes a brand-new range of BYD’s most popular global models such as BYD SEALION 6, BYD ATTO 3, BYD DOLPHIN and several other advanced NEVs. These state-of-the-art NEVs have been hotly anticipated by local auto enthusiasts, marking BYD’s re-entry into the Sri Lankan market after over five years of import restrictions, with first deliveries to pre-booking customers commencing over the  coming weeks. “Our partnership with BYD highlights our commitment to driving a green mobility revolution that will help to build Sri Lanka’s dream of an empowered, cleaner, more sustainable nation,” JKCG Auto General Manager Charith Panditharatne said. “We are proud to be the first to bring these brand-new BYDs to Sri Lanka, following the removal of import restrictions. Leveraging on the synergies within the John Keells group, we aim to catalyse a broader evolution in mobility for Sri Lanka, that offers the highest quality vehicles, infrastructure and after-sales services to ensure to sustainably power this critical transition for our nation.” JKCG Auto plans to deliver the vehicles to its Sri Lankan customers in the coming weeks, ensuring a seamless introduction of BYD’s innovative technology and superior performance to local roads. With additional shipments underway, the company is poised to meet the expectations of an increasingly eco-conscious customer base and further strengthen its reputation as a leading force in the country’s green mobility revolution.

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An extraordinary gazette notification has been issued, revising multiple import and export regulations, including a significant update permitting Bureau Veritas inspection certificates for vehicles imported from all countries.

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Colombo, March 20 (Daily Mirror) - President of the Vehicle Importers' Association of Sri Lanka (VIASL) Prasad Manage claimed today that an issue has arisen at the Sri Lanka Customs Department, as the Nissan X-Trail and Toyota Raize, classified as hybrid SUVs by Japan Customs, have been identified as non-hybrid vehicles by Sri Lanka Customs. Addressing the media, he said that the Nissan X-Trail is a hybrid SUV with a 1,500cc engine capacity, while the Toyota Raize is a hybrid SUV with a 1,200cc engine capacity. However, the Sri Lanka Customs Department has informed them that these SUV models do not fall under the hybrid vehicle category during the customs clearance process, he said. "Therefore, we cross-checked the vehicle category with the vehicle manufacturing company and the Customs Department in Japan. They confirmed that the above SUVs fall under the hybrid vehicle category, classified under category 870340," he said. "The hybrid duty for a Nissan X-Trail would be Rs. 6 million, while the hybrid duty for a Toyota Raize would be Rs. 10 million. "However, the Sri Lanka Customs Department has refused to accept the hybrid classification of these SUVs and instead claims that they fall under a different category of electric vehicles. When we checked the duty components, the tax on a Toyota Raize SUV would be between Rs. 12 million and Rs. 14 million, while a Nissan X-Trail SUV would be taxed at around Rs. 30 million. "These SUVs include the latest hybrid system, known as the 'series hybrid system,' and a set of documents relating to this new system has been submitted to the Customs HS classification unit." "The VIASL is requesting the Sri Lanka Customs to provide an immediate solution to this issue, as we are facing significant difficulty in releasing the vehicles from Customs. These new hybrid vehicles have already arrived at the Customs. They offer a high fuel efficiency of 25 kilometres per litre. "Following the the extraordinary gazette notification revising multiple import and export regulations—including a key update allowing Bureau Veritas inspection certificates for vehicles imported from all countries—the VIASL President stated that consumers can expect to see vehicles in showrooms by next week.

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By Poojathmi Rivithma Colombo, March 14 (Daily Mirror) - Customs authorities have announced new regulations for importing motor vehicles, including hybrid and electric vehicles. The Customs value of used vehicles will include the cost of any attached bodies, such as freezer truck bodies, later added to the vehicles. Meanwhile, Customs authorities stated that the final decision regarding import and export issues lies with the Controller General. "if any motor vehicle is imported in violations of these regulations and or any prevailing rules and regulations applicable on imported motor vehicles, they shall be re-exported by the respective importer within 90 days from the bill entry (CUSDEC) with all associate costs borne by the importer." The authorities also classified hybrid and electric vehicles - a hybrid vehicle must utilize both an internal combustion engine and an electric motor for mechanical propulsion. Vehicles powered solely by one or more electric accumulator packs are classified as electric vehicles. “A vehicle with an electric power source, such as an integrated alternator or starter used only for non-propulsion functions, will not be classified as a hybrid electric vehicle,” the official stated. In addition, he stated that the E-VDF must be fully completed. It is mandatory to include detailed vehicle information such as make, model, sub-model grade, engine capacity, and other specific details in the E-VDF. The move is aimed at ensuring proper classification and compliance with regulations related to hybrid and electric vehicles in Sri Lanka.

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SHENZHEN – BYD has unveiled a new system for electric cars that the Chinese carmaker says will allow them to be charged almost as fast as it takes a regular car to refuel. BYD’s new battery and charging system was capable of providing 470km of range in five minutes in tests on its new Han L sedan, chairman and founder Wang Chuanfu said on March 17. The manufacturer will start selling vehicles with the new technology next month. Being able to charge a car in the time it takes a combustion engine vehicle to pull in and out of a gas station could convince drivers who aren’t willing to make lengthy stops to go electric. The new platform, which will underpin many of its future electric vehicles, could provide another boost for BYD, which has come from behind to rival US manufacturer Tesla as the world’s top EV seller.  Tesla’s China shipments plunged 49 per cent in February from a year earlier to just 30,688 vehicles, the lowest monthly figure since in July 2022. BYD has committed to building more than 4,000 charging stations across China to serve the newly upgraded EVs. It did not disclose a specific timeline or cost to complete the rollout. However, the company earlier this month raised around US$5.6 billion in a share sale. The speeds would be comfortably ahead of Tesla’s Superchargers, which can add up to 275km of range in 15 minutes. Tesla, however, has a much larger network of more than 65,000 Superchargers worldwide. Mercedes-Benz Group’s new entry-level CLA electric sedan unveiled last week can add 325km in 10 minutes of charging. BYD’s new EV platform will allow cars to reach 100kmh in two seconds, Mr Wang said at the event at the company’s headquarters in Shenzhen. This is BYD “elevating the game to another dimension”, Mr Xing Lei, an independent China autos analyst, said. The first models to get the ultra-fast charging will be the Han L and the Tang L sport utility vehicle. They will start at 270,000 yuan (S$50,000) and 280,000 yuan, respectively, and will be sold from April. BYD has had a stellar start to 2025. The company, which makes only hybrid and fully electric cars, sold more than 318,000 passenger vehicles in February, up 161 per cent from a year earlier. It is the top carmaker in China, the world’s biggest car market, with a share approaching 15 per cent. BYD’s Hong Kong-listed shares are up about 45 per cent in 2025. An advanced EV powertrain could further boost demand for BYD’s next-generation cars, said Ms Joanna Chen, a China autos analyst with Bloomberg Intelligence. “This could mark the beginning of a new wave of model roll-outs, propelling BYD’s battery-electric vehicle sales to catch up with hybrids after they fell behind in 2024,” she said. BYD is also starting to set the pace in advanced driver-assistance technology. The company earlier in 2025 said that it is taking this to the masses by including features like lane-keeping and adaptive cruise control in some of its cheapest models. BYD’s Super e-Platform may also pose a competitive threat to Contemporary Amperex Technology (CATL), currently the world’s largest manufacturer of EV batteries. Li Auto, for example, is using one of CATL’s latest-generation batteries to enable charging that gives 500km of range in 12 minutes.

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Colombo, March 17 (Daily Mirror) - The Vehicle Importers Association of Lanka (VIAL) claimed today that around 400 vehicles have been stuck at the Sri Lanka Customs for over 20 days due to a change in import regulations. VIAL Chairman Indika Sampath Merenchige said that the requirement to specify either the production year or exact manufacturing date has created compliance challenges. He urged authorities to reconsider the decision. Merenchige warned that the delay could discourage potential buyers and called for immediate government intervention. He also noted that demurrage costs from the hold-up would increase vehicle prices by Rs. 40,000 to Rs. 50,000. As a short-term solution, he suggested penalizing importers for non-compliance rather than holding the vehicles indefinitely. Merenchige emphasized that the President, as Finance Minister, along with Deputy Ministers, must take responsibility for resolving the issue.

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Colombo, March 18 (Daily Mirror) - The Finance Ministry and other relevant institutions will intervene immediately to rectify the delays in releasing newly imported vehicles from the Sri Lanka Customs, Cabinet Spokesman Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said today. He said that the government granted permission to import vehicles after five years and that if there is a shortcoming in the mechanism, the government will intervene to rectify it. Responding to a question, he said it is not reasonable to accuse the government of failing to release vehilces. The Vehicle Importers Association of Lanka (VIAL) claimed that around 400 vehicles have been stuck at the Sri Lanka Customs for over 20 days due to a change in import regulations.