Frustrated buyers are now protesting on the streets, accusing Sri Lanka Customs of holding their brand-new BYD electric vehicles hostage for months.
Anger is growing among customers and vehicle agents after Sri Lanka Customs continued to delay the release of a consignment of BYD vehicles, prompting a public protest in Colombo today. The demonstration took place outside the BYD showroom, where protesters accused authorities of causing months of unnecessary delays that have left fully-paid customers without their vehicles.
Protesters demanded that Sri Lanka Customs resolve the issue immediately and allow the BYD vehicles to be cleared without further delay. Many participants held placards and voiced their frustration, saying the situation had become an unfair burden on customers, especially those who had already made payments and were expecting delivery dates.
“People have paid for their cars, and they are being forced to wait endlessly. How is this fair?” one protester asked. Another participant shouted, “Release the vehicles now. Stop punishing innocent buyers.”
Sri Lanka Customs has said the vehicles were detained because the manufacturer’s certificate submitted with the shipment did not comply with procedural requirements. The consignment has been held for several months, with no final decision announced. Importers insist the documents are valid and accuse Customs of causing financial and logistical damage.
Customers and vehicle agents are now warning that if authorities fail to act quickly, they will escalate their protests and hold responsible officials accountable for losses incurred. Many believe the delay is sending a negative signal to future electric vehicle investors and buyers in Sri Lanka.
