John Keells CG Auto (JKCG), wishes to update its customers and stakeholders on the ongoing legal proceedings in the Court of Appeal relating to some consignments of BYD vehicles being detained by Sri Lanka Customs.
On 7th August 2025, in response to the Writ Application filed in the Court of Appeal, the Court ordered Sri Lanka Customs, and Sri Lanka Customs agreed to the immediate release of 991 of 997 BYD vehicles that were being detained by Sri Lanka Customs, on the security of a Bank Guarantee.
Some of these vehicles have already been delivered to customers while the remainder are in the process of being delivered. We wish to confirm that the vehicles are being delivered at the original price they were offered to customers.
Subsequent to 7th August, Sri Lanka Customs detained other consignments of BYD vehicles and refused to release even the models which were part of the initial Writ Application on the same basis of provision of the security of a Bank Guarantee.
However, upon submissions made on behalf of JKCG, on 3rd September 2025, the Court of Appeal ordered the release of 506 BYD vehicles which are of the same models that were released under the Order of Court made in favour of JKCG on the same basis as – on 7th August 2025.
When the Writ Application was taken up in the Court of Appeal on 3rd September 2025, Counsel for JKCG submitted that the other models of BYD vehicles presently detained by Sri Lanka Customs are models that have not been previously imported on a commercial basis by any party, and that they have been detained without any reason, complaint or suspicion of any violation of law, whatsoever.
Counsel for JKCG also drew the attention of Court to the fact that; Sri Lanka Customs is, selectively, and in a discriminatory manner, detaining only BYD vehicles imported by JKCG, whilst it is permitting the clearance of other brands of electric vehicles imported by other entities. It was further stated that Sri Lanka Customs had not subjected any other electric vehicles to independent testing, and that the details and information sought by Sri Lanka Customs, at various times, have already been provided on numerous occasions, even prior to the filing of the said Writ Application. It was submitted that Sri Lanka Customs has in these instances refused to accept the evidence provided by the manufacturer, BYD, which is known to be the largest electric vehicle manufacturer in the world.
We wish to clarify the assertion that BYD electric vehicles performance can be fundamentally changed through software updates is technically incorrect. While software updates can enhance the digital experience and other aspects, the performance or output of the electric motor cannot be enhanced through any form of software update, which, BYD, as a globally reputed manufacturer, has confirmed.
JKCG remains committed to collaborating closely with the relevant authorities to ensure the timely clearance of the vehicles and does not anticipate significant delays. As an authorized distributor for BYD, JKCG has extended its fullest cooperation to all relevant authorities, and has provided to Sri Lanka Customs, the manufacturer’s specifications and compliance documentation which are accepted globally. We wish to reiterate our commitment to governance and complete transparency in which we have approached this matter from the inception.
JKCG reiterates its mission of providing Sri Lankans with access to the highest quality New Energy Vehicles available in the global market, while supporting a rapid transition to sustainable mobility across the nation through the investment in charging infrastructure, expansion of the showroom network, after sales service and capacity building. We also believe that a fair and level playing field for all vehicle importers is essential to achieving this broader vision which will also support the country’s goals of sustainable and environmentally friendly transportation solutions.
We wish to thank our customers and stakeholders for their trust and understanding throughout this period while reassuring our customers that we will take all steps to hand over the vehicles as expeditiously as possible.
