The Sri Lanka Customs announced that delays in clearing imported vehicles have now been significantly reduced, with clearance times shortened to just one and a half days.

Speaking at a media briefing, Additional Director General and Customs spokesperson Seevali Arukgoda explained that previous delays were due to unforeseen legal complications that arose following the recent resumption of vehicle imports after a five-year suspension.

He noted that these legal issues, particularly involving documentation and import procedures, had not been anticipated initially but were later identified and addressed in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance.

“As of 28th of May the Customs Department has resolved these challenges, and documentation is now processed much more efficiently,” Arukgoda stated.

Under the revised procedures, imported vehicles can now be cleared either on the same day or the following day, significantly improving the speed and ease of vehicle release to importers.