First Shipment of Personal Use Vehicles Arrives in Colombo After Five Years

COLOMBO (News 1st); After five years, a shipment of motor vehicles imported for personal use arrived at the Colombo port today.

This shipment was made possible following the government's decision to ease import restrictions.

Six pickup trucks ordered by private importers arrived in Colombo from Thailand this morning.

The Vehicle Importers' Association of Sri Lanka announced that additional shipments are expected to arrive in the country tomorrow and the day after.

The association also stated that from March onwards, consumers will have the opportunity to purchase vehicles across all categories.

"A 2024 Rocco double cab pickup truck is priced around 25 to 25.5 million rupees. This is a significant price reduction, considering that a 2020 model was priced as high as 32.5 million rupees in the second-hand market. You can now purchase a brand new 2024 model for around 24 to 26 million rupees," said Prasad Manange, the President of the Vehicle Importers' Association of Sri Lanka.

He said that all vehicles are expected to arrive from Japan, including models like the Alto and WagonR.

"For instance, a WagonR or Alto can be purchased for around 6,000,000 to 6,500,000 rupees. Last December, a WagonR was priced at approximately 7,500,000 rupees. Today, you can buy the latest 2024 brand new WagonR for the same price," he added.

He urged consumers not to worry; adding that there will be a sufficient supply of vehicles arriving in Sri Lanka continuously.