– Deputy Finance Minister Anil Jayantha has dismissed claims that vehicle prices would increase by 150% following the government’s latest decision to impose additional taxes on vehicle imports, describing the reports as “completely false.”

Speaking on the issue, Dr. Jayantha said misinformation was being circulated regarding the new surcharge imposed on vehicle imports.

He explained that the measure is a temporary three-month surcharge intended to delay non-essential private vehicle imports and reduce pressure on the country’s foreign exchange reserves amid ongoing economic uncertainty.

“The message we are giving is simple: if you can postpone importing a vehicle for personal use, please do so. This is not a move intended to increase vehicle prices,” he said.

Dr. Jayantha further clarified that the new measure does not amount to a direct 150% increase in taxes or vehicle prices. He noted that existing taxes on vehicle imports already stand at around 130%, and said the surcharge mechanism had been misunderstood in public discussions.