VIASL urges Government to revise taxes on small vehicles

 

The Vehicle Importers’ Association of Sri Lanka (VIASL) has called on the government to revise the pricing and tax structure for low engine-capacity vehicles to make them more affordable, particularly for middle-income consumers.

VIASL President Prasad Manage said the revision should focus on the 1,000cc category, including models such as the Alto, Wagon R, Yaris, and Hustler. “These are vehicles primarily purchased by middle-class citizens. Such vehicles should be encouraged and made more accessible to the general public,” he said.

Manage also urged the government to waive the 3 percent penalty on vehicles cleared after three months, citing economic hardships following the recent disaster. He highlighted that a Wagon R currently attracts taxes of around Rs. 4 million despite being a small, fuel-efficient vehicle.

“The disaster has caused a sharp decline in vehicle sales, with many customers unable to complete their purchases due to financial difficulties,” he added, emphasizing that reducing prices of small vehicles should be a government priority.