Thursday, June 12, 2025
HomeBiz NewsCMTA Raises Concerns about Disparities in Import Regulations and Policies....

CMTA Raises Concerns about Disparities in Import Regulations and Policies….

The Ceylon Motor Traders Association (CMTA), one of the longest standing automotive associations in South Asia, has recently raised concerns regarding the fairness of current import regulations, shedding light on the importation of extravagant items such as televisions and mobile phones, while essential necessities such as a motorcycle remains restricted. The CMTA emphasizes the need for a more equitable import policy that considers the struggles faced by everyday individuals, including parents relying on public transport and small business owners, who are disproportionately affected by these restrictions.

While a significant portion of the population faces difficulties in providing transportation for their families and growing their businesses, it is disconcerting to witness the importation of luxury items that cater exclusively to the elite. The CMTA firmly believes that this disparity in import regulations is unjustified, as it allows the affluent to spend exorbitant amounts on high-end products while denying the import of essential items, such as a simple motorcycle.

The importation of luxury goods, like high-end televisions ranging from US$ 1,000 and above retailing for Rs700,000-1,000,000Mn and more, dual door refrigerators which range above US$900 retailing for Rs1,000,000 to high-end smartphones costing above US$ 1,000 retailing Rs500,000-750,000 In comparison, a 110cc Petrol Scooter would cost approximately US$650 & Three-Wheeler costing US$1,300. It is worth mentioning that several items were recently removed from the import ban list, but it is disheartening to observe that essential items like Motorcycles and Three-Wheelers were not included in the consideration.

 The CMTA highlights the need for import regulations that prioritize the welfare and aspirations of the majority, rather than catering solely to the desires of a privileged few. It is crucial to create an environment where equal opportunities and resources are available to all, enabling ordinary citizens to thrive and contribute to the nation’s growth.

The CMTA urges policymakers and authorities to engage in a comprehensive dialogue with the public, taking into account the perspectives of those directly affected by these import restrictions. It is imperative that a more equitable society is created by fostering transparency and inclusivity, where the import regulations align with the needs and aspirations of the people. The CMTA acknowledges the importance of revenue generation and economic progress, but emphasizes that the well-being of citizens should be at the forefront of policy decisions

Founded in 1919, the Ceylon Motor Traders Association (CMTA) is the only Ceylon Chamber of Commerce affiliated trade body that represents vehicle manufacturers through their locally appointed franchise holders (commonly called ‘agents’). It is the most senior automotive trade association in the region. The members of the CMTA collectively employ and train thousands of Sri Lankan citizens while bringing in international best practices in engineering and management, developing a talent pool that is trained and employable internationally. CMTA members are all audited by the manufacturers they represent, and the vehicles they import are shipped directly from the factory, designed to meet country specific requirements.

RELATED ARTICLES

24 COMMENTS

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Most Popular

Recent Comments

dostavka_alkogolya_uvMr on JKP partners with AGC[MW1]  Innovate to pave a sustainable future for Sri Lanka’s construction sector[LP2] 
otdyh_suhum_xrEt on JKP partners with AGC[MW1]  Innovate to pave a sustainable future for Sri Lanka’s construction sector[LP2] 
narkolog_na_dom_ztpi on JKP partners with AGC[MW1]  Innovate to pave a sustainable future for Sri Lanka’s construction sector[LP2] 
Poverka_szPl on JKP partners with AGC[MW1]  Innovate to pave a sustainable future for Sri Lanka’s construction sector[LP2] 
Film_full_hd_znEn on JKP partners with AGC[MW1]  Innovate to pave a sustainable future for Sri Lanka’s construction sector[LP2] 
Ritualnye_uslugi_scMa on JKP partners with AGC[MW1]  Innovate to pave a sustainable future for Sri Lanka’s construction sector[LP2] 
jarvi_korm_ppSn on JKP partners with AGC[MW1]  Innovate to pave a sustainable future for Sri Lanka’s construction sector[LP2] 
abhaziya_otdyh_poPa on JKP partners with AGC[MW1]  Innovate to pave a sustainable future for Sri Lanka’s construction sector[LP2] 
datasets_yqKi on JKP partners with AGC[MW1]  Innovate to pave a sustainable future for Sri Lanka’s construction sector[LP2] 
arenda_yahty_qwMr on JKP partners with AGC[MW1]  Innovate to pave a sustainable future for Sri Lanka’s construction sector[LP2] 
lizingovyy_agregator_dvmt on JKP partners with AGC[MW1]  Innovate to pave a sustainable future for Sri Lanka’s construction sector[LP2] 
kypit 1s v moskve_esSa on Prima KottuMee re-launch…..
kypit 1s v moskve_tqOn on Prima KottuMee re-launch…..
kypit 1s v moskve_fxSa on Prima KottuMee re-launch…..
kypit 1s v moskve_jwOn on Prima KottuMee re-launch…..
dushevyye_ograzhdeniya_essl on JKP partners with AGC[MW1]  Innovate to pave a sustainable future for Sri Lanka’s construction sector[LP2] 
magazin_shin_kvKa on JKP partners with AGC[MW1]  Innovate to pave a sustainable future for Sri Lanka’s construction sector[LP2] 
arenda_yahty_xjen on JKP partners with AGC[MW1]  Innovate to pave a sustainable future for Sri Lanka’s construction sector[LP2] 
stroitelstvo_derevyannyh_domov_jber on JKP partners with AGC[MW1]  Innovate to pave a sustainable future for Sri Lanka’s construction sector[LP2] 
damski_bluzi_ctor on JKP partners with AGC[MW1]  Innovate to pave a sustainable future for Sri Lanka’s construction sector[LP2] 
damski_teniski_zppr on JKP partners with AGC[MW1]  Innovate to pave a sustainable future for Sri Lanka’s construction sector[LP2] 
sportni_екипи_qaki on JKP partners with AGC[MW1]  Innovate to pave a sustainable future for Sri Lanka’s construction sector[LP2] 
kypit 1s v moskve_bqOr on Prima KottuMee re-launch…..
kypit 1s v moskve_xuOr on Prima KottuMee re-launch…..
syhie transformatori kypit_dgsl on Prima KottuMee re-launch…..
syhie transformatori kypit_txsl on Prima KottuMee re-launch…..
damski_komplekti_ppEt on JKP partners with AGC[MW1]  Innovate to pave a sustainable future for Sri Lanka’s construction sector[LP2] 
Iluvpornovideo on Prima KottuMee re-launch…..
stroitelstvo_derevyannyh_domov_xgPn on JKP partners with AGC[MW1]  Innovate to pave a sustainable future for Sri Lanka’s construction sector[LP2] 
rokli_wiOi on JKP partners with AGC[MW1]  Innovate to pave a sustainable future for Sri Lanka’s construction sector[LP2] 
Ysilenie konstrykcii_vgPa on Prima KottuMee re-launch…..
Ysilenie konstrykcii_cust on Prima KottuMee re-launch…..
Ysilenie konstrykcii_hzPa on Prima KottuMee re-launch…..
Ysilenie konstrykcii_stst on Prima KottuMee re-launch…..