The Vehicle Importers’ Association of Sri Lanka (VIASL) has urged the government to revise the pricing and tax structure for low engine-capacity vehicles to make them more affordable, especially for middle-income consumers.
VIASL President Prasad Manage said the proposed revisions should focus on the 1,000cc category, including models such as the Alto, Wagon R, Yaris, and Hustler, noting that these vehicles are mainly purchased by middle-class citizens and should be encouraged.
He also called on the government to waive the 3 percent penalty imposed on vehicles cleared after three months, citing economic hardships faced by buyers following the recent disaster. Manage pointed out that a Wagon R currently attracts taxes of around Rs. 4 million despite being a small and fuel-efficient vehicle.
Highlighting a sharp decline in vehicle sales, he said many customers are unable to complete purchases due to financial difficulties, stressing that reducing the prices of small vehicles should be a key government priority.
