Dinesh: Govt wants to discourage import of luxuary vehicles

In reply to a question on the number of motor vehicles imported during recent years as well as during the past 12 months, Minister Dinesh Gunawardena said 13,227 motor cars, 27,911 lorries and trucks 27,664 tractors, 195,832 motorcycles, 1,327 buses and 509 vans were imported in 2007. Though a larger number had been imported in the previous years there had been a decline.

Although a large number of vehicles were imported at different times all were not sold immediately. The policy of the government was to discourage the import of luxury vehicles and give preference to smaller vehicles that consume less fuel. The reduction of imports of vehicles cannot be attributed to an economic crisis in the country.

He said the government was in the process of formulating a new policy on fuel and vehicles with emphasis on reducing fuel consumption and discouraging the import and use of vehicles that are heavy on fuel.