In a recent statement, John Keells (Pvt) Ltd, the authorized agent for BYD vehicles in Sri Lanka, has clarified the situation surrounding the Appeal Court’s decision to release 1,000 BYD vehicles previously detained by Sri Lanka Customs. Below is the full statement provided by the company.
Statement from John Keells CG Auto (Pvt) Ltd – 07.08.2025
Further to the statement issued on 29 th July 2025, John Keells CG Auto (Pvt) Ltd
(JKCG), the authorized distributor of BYD vehicles in Sri Lanka, wishes to inform the
public that a Writ Application was filed in the Court of Appeal on 04 th August 2025 and
was taken up for support today. The application sought, among other reliefs, the release
of approximately 1,000 BYD vehicles, which has been detained by Sri Lanka Customs
for a month.
Pursuant to the submissions made in the Court of Appeal on behalf of JKCG today, Sri
Lanka Customs agreed to the immediate release of the vehicles, subject to the
provision of security in the form of a Bank Guarantee.
We wish to clarify that it is standard practice among globally reputed automobile
manufacturers to design vehicle models and specifications which are tailored to meet
the regulatory standards, environmental conditions, and consumer preferences of the
diverse international markets they serve. For instance, the BYD ATTO 3 is
manufactured with a 150 kW motor variant for markets such as Japan and Thailand,
whereas the 100 kW motor variant is manufactured for Singapore, Nepal, and Sri
Lanka. These models are built to a standard specification, and it is important to note
that the hardware and software components related to motor power are distinct and
cannot be altered post-manufacture due to manufacturer driven restrictions, including,
but not limited to, the complexity of the drive train including the permanent magnet
synchronous motor.
Further, the manufacturer’s certificate serves as the source document verified by Sri
Lanka Customs for vehicle clearance. The Certificate issued by BYD for the specific
models under detention have been duly provided for all consignments imported by
JKCG. As has been the industry practice, this Certificate has consistently formed the
basis for the clearance of previous consignments.
As a responsible corporate entity, JKCG wishes to reassure its customers and the
general public that all vehicle imports have been conducted in full compliance with
applicable laws. We remain committed to cooperating fully with Sri Lanka Customs to
facilitate the release of the vehicles and the clearance of all future consignments in
accordance with regulatory requirements.
We will engage with our customers affected by this delay to update them on the latest
status and timeline of delivery of their vehicles and wish to thank them for their
understanding and patience as we have navigated and aimed to resolve this issue. We
will also update our other stakeholders with any further information should the need
arise.
John Keells Group –
Confidential
Mrs. Farzana Jameel, PC appeared with Mr. Riad Ameen AAL, Mr. Varana Wijenayake
AAL and Ms. Shahanie Mackie AAL, for the petitioner JKCG.
ASG Sumathi Dharmawardhane, PC appeared for the Respondents.
