Decrease in vehicle imports

The registration of motor vehicles in Sri Lanka, has recorded a decrease in the registration of vehicle imports in the first six months of the year when compared with the corresponding period of last year.

According to the Department of Motor Traffic 136,592 vehicles have been registered during the fist six months of the year, recording a decrease of 16,470 vehicles when compared with the corresponding period of 2007, states the Government Information Department.

Imposition of duty on imported vehicles, fuel price hike and stoppage of issuing new permits for importing vehicles for public servants have played pivotal role in this decrease. During the year 2007, about 297,892 vehicles had been registered whereas all the vehicles imported during that year were 3,125,794.

Accordingly, 182,508 motor cycles, 43,068 three-wheelers and 22,603 motor vehicles had been registered during the year 2007 indicating proportionate decrease in the registration of other vehicles.

About 136,592 vehicles have obtained new registration certificates during the first six months of 2008, comprising 79,866 motor cycles, 21,140 three-wheelers and 13,590 motor cars.

According to the present report, increase in the import of motor cycles and decrease in the import of motor cars are indicated. Further, statistics of the Department of Motor Traffic, indicates approximately 23,000 new registrations of vehicles take place every month.