Sri Lanka will not restrict electric vehicle (EV) imports by brand, but new rules will limit EVs by engine capacity. Government adjusts customs and import procedures to control surge in new EV entries.
Sri Lanka to Restrict Electric Vehicle Imports Based on Capacity, Not Brand
The Sri Lankan government has decided to tighten restrictions on electric vehicle (EV) imports, but not in the way many expected. Officials confirm that while there are no immediate plans to limit EVs by brand name, restrictions based on engine capacity are set to be enforced.
According to Deputy Minister of Transport and Highways, Dr. Prasanna Gunasena, the recent influx of various new EV brands into the local market does not currently pose a concern in terms of regulation. “We have no plans to regulate the brands of EVs entering the country,” he stated.
Instead, the government’s focus lies in regulating EVs based on engine capacity. Dr. Gunasena explained that Sri Lanka Customs is only clearing vehicles that comply with the Department of Motor Traffic’s permitted capacity range, as defined under its current legislative framework.
Additionally, the vehicle import financing process has also been amended. Banks can now only open letters of credit (LCs) for EVs that have been pre-cleared by Sri Lanka Customs, ensuring tighter oversight at the financial entry point.
Deputy Minister of Trade, Commerce and Food Security, R.M. Jayewardene, echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing that brand-based import restrictions are not part of the government’s strategy. “Consumers are free to import any EV brand from budget to high-end models as long as they meet the technical guidelines in place,” he said.
Since January’s easing of Sri Lanka’s vehicle import ban, the nation has witnessed a notable surge in unfamiliar EV brands entering the market. This growth, while offering consumers more choice, has raised questions about infrastructure readiness, battery safety, and long-term sustainability.
With the new capacity-based restriction model, the government aims to balance environmental goals, economic stability, and practical oversight avoiding brand monopolies while maintaining national standards for road safety and energy use.
