John Keells CG Auto confirms BYD Atto 3 models with 100kW motors, designed specifically for Sri Lanka, will soon be released after legal clearance from Customs. The update brings relief to nearly 1,000 customers awaiting delayed deliveries. Here’s the official statement clarifying the specs, court action, and what happens next.
John Keells CG Auto Pvt. Ltd., the official distributor of BYD vehicles in Sri Lanka, has once again issued a public statement to clarify concerns surrounding the ongoing delay in releasing BYD Atto 3 vehicles. The delays were caused by the temporary detention of certain consignments by Sri Lanka Customs.
The company, which had already addressed the issue in a previous press statement dated July 29, 2025, has now filed a petition in the Court of Appeal seeking interim relief and the release of the detained vehicles. According to the company, Sri Lanka Customs has agreed to release the vehicles upon provision of a bank guarantee.
This legal breakthrough is expected to bring much-needed relief to almost 1,000 Sri Lankan customers who have been waiting weeks for their BYD Atto deliveries.
JKCG emphasized that the 100kW motor variant of the BYD Atto 3 is specifically manufactured for countries such as Sri Lanka, Singapore, and Nepal, while the 150kW motor is made for markets like Japan and Thailand. These specifications are not interchangeable post-manufacture, due to strict engineering and compliance requirements.
The company further explained that both hardware and software components are calibrated to these fixed specifications at the point of manufacture and cannot be altered later. These decisions are made based on the environmental and regulatory standards of each target market.
One key point of contention appears to be the Customs verification process. John Keells CG Auto reiterated that they have consistently provided manufacturer-issued certificates as proof of compliance. These same documents had been accepted by Customs for earlier vehicle consignments, setting a clear precedent.
The company reassured the public that all vehicle imports under its name fully comply with both local regulations and international standards. It reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and its readiness to cooperate with Sri Lanka Customs on any future inspections or documentation requirements.
The following is the official company statement issued by JKCG Auto on August 7, 2025:
Statement by John Keells CG Auto Pvt. Ltd. 07.08.2025
Following the statement issued on July 29, 2025, John Keells CG Auto Pvt. Ltd. (JKCG), the authorized distributor of BYD vehicles in the country, filed a petition in the Court of Appeal on August 4, 2025, seeking interim relief.
JKCG also sought several other reliefs, one of which was the release of a selected model recall of BYD vehicles currently detained by Sri Lanka Customs. Sri Lanka Customs has agreed to release the vehicles currently detained by Customs on a bank guarantee. This will be a welcome relief to nearly 1,000 of our valued customers after the unexpected delays they have been facing so far.
It is a standard practice among international vehicle manufacturers to design vehicle components to meet the environmental conditions and consumer demands of the international market in accordance with the legal norms of the international market.
For example, the BYD ATTO 3 model is manufactured with a 150 kW motor variant for markets such as Japan and Thailand, and with a 100 kW motor variant for Singapore, Nepal and Sri Lanka.
All these vehicles are manufactured according to standard technical specifications, and the hardware and software components related to the motor power are unique to them. It cannot be changed after production. This is due to factors such as the complexity of the drive system, including the permanent magnet balanced motor, in accordance with the standards based on manufacturer limitations.
The certificate issued by the manufacturer is considered the primary document verified by the Sri Lanka Customs Department for the release of vehicles. JKCG has taken steps to promptly issue the certificate issued by BYD for all consignments imported by JKCG. As an established process, this certificate has been used as a permanent basis for the release of previously imported supplies.
As a responsible organization committed to transparency at all times, we ensure that all vehicle imports carried out by JKCG are in full compliance with local laws and regulations. We are also committed to working with Sri Lanka Customs to release vehicles in accordance with regulatory requirements and facilitate the clearance of all future consignments.
We are working with our customers who have been affected by this delay and would like to inform them of the latest delivery schedule. We are taking this step to resolve this issue and appreciate your understanding and patience in this regard. We will continue to inform you all in this regard as necessary.
For the petitioner JKCG, Mr. Riyad Amin, Mr. Warana Jinayake and Ms. Shahathi Mathi, along with Ms. Farzana Jamal, President’s Counsel appeared.
For the respondents, Mr. A. S. P. Sumathi Dhawardhana, President’s Counsel appeared.
JKCG AUTO
JOHN KEELLS GROUP COMPANY
