The topic of vehicle imports to Sri Lanka has been a frequent public concern, especially as the import of new vehicles has been halted for a considerable period. Consequently, Sri Lankans are left driving outdated vehicles, leading to various issues on the roads. Even the import of vehicle parts has become challenging due to the country’s financial situation, limiting access to necessary repairs. Recently, an incident involving luxury vehicles has brought attention to the implications of these restrictions.
On the afternoon of the 20th, a Mitsubishi and a BMW, both high-end vehicles, were seized by the Kandy Divisional Criminal Investigation Division. These luxury cars, which lack legal documentation, were discovered at the residence of the nephew of former Minister Rohitha Abeygunawardena in Aniwatta. It is suspected that these vehicles, valued at nearly 60 million LKR, were smuggled out of the port without paying the appropriate duties.
Further context reveals that Rohitha Abeygunawardena’s daughter is married to the son of a well-known car dealer in Kandy, adding to the complexity of the situation. The investigation was initiated based on a public complaint to the hotline 1997, reporting that suspicious vehicles were concealed in a house in the Aruppola area. The raid, conducted under the direction of Senior Superintendent of Police Anuruddha Bandara, confirmed these reports.
This case has sparked renewed scrutiny on the matter of illegally assembled vehicles, including two cars reportedly linked to former Minister Johnston Fernando. These vehicles, also unregistered, were allegedly assembled unlawfully. The investigation revealed that a black BMW, registered under a garage number, had been suspiciously parked at the Hilton Hotel. When questioned, the hotel’s security manager disclosed that Gamini Abeyratne, a long-term guest, had parked the car on the eve of the last presidential election. Further inquiry traced the vehicle’s registration to a private company in Nawala, with the company owner reporting that he had initially requested the number plate from the Motor Registration Department in March 2024. However, it was subsequently discovered that the number plate had been stolen.
Customs investigations further revealed that no vehicle with the car’s chassis number had been legally imported. Adding to the concerns, the assembled BMW was reportedly driven under a different license plate, KM 5421, which was actually registered to a hotel in Colombo owned by Johnston Fernando. Based on these findings, a travel ban was imposed on Fernando, who now faces allegations of illegally importing a car by evading taxes, using an unregistered vehicle, affixing a stolen garage number plate, and misusing another car’s license plate.
While official statements indicate that no new vehicles are currently being imported, such cases demonstrate otherwise, with high-profile individuals allegedly circumventing legal channels to acquire luxury vehicles. The matter is a pressing concern as Sri Lanka grapples with economic challenges and rising public awareness.
Citizens are encouraged to report any suspicious vehicles to the authorities through the hotline 1977. Although past reports may have raised doubts about investigation outcomes, there is growing hope that public vigilance will lead to accountability without reprisals against informants. In Sri Lanka, sharing information can carry personal risks, yet the public’s role in maintaining transparency is invaluable.
