Page 12 - Annual Report 2020.ai

Following a meeting with Hon Dilum Amunugama, a proposal on the effects of the import
restrictions on motor bicycles and three wheelers was prepared and handed over. Further

at the request of the Hon State Minister, the Association submitted a proposal on the MOT
certification on road worthiness and also expressed their willingness to carry out the

testing. The registration of motor vehicle importers was also highlighted to the Minister
who requested the Association to draw up a proposal which could be included in the road

map for the automotive industry.

Meeting with the Insurance Association of Sri Lanka
The Association held a meeting with the Insurance Association of Sri Lanka to look at

working together on motor vehicle claims. The Association put forward the below
proposals:-

• The same pricing to be offered for insurance and cash customers
• Whatever can be repaired should be repaired with a warranty provided

Easing of Import Restrictions on Motor Vehicles’

The Association drew the attention of the key stakeholders on the multiple effects on the
Restriction of Motor Vehicle Imports such as retrenching of staff and proposed to the

Government to permit the importation of motor vehicles through a Quota Based system.
The Association also had a discussion with Hon Ajith Nivard Cabraal, State Minister of

Finance seeking his views on the import restriction and how through his office could look
at possibilities of easing this import restriction. It was highlighted to him that due to the

prevailing import restrictions, and with no sales the core business of the franchise holders,
some of the members were looking at retrenching their staff. It was also highlighted to the

State Minister to consider giving approval on the LC’s that had been opened for customers
prior to the import restriction ban and that if there is end date on the uplifting of the

restriction, the opened LC’s will get cancelled.

Marketing and Communication
The Association continued with its marketing campaign on a frequent basis on topical

issues which had been posted on its social media platforms such as Facebook and
Instagram. In addition, a strong PR campaign was also implemented to communicate the

views of the association on industry related issues on leading newspapers and online
websites.

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Annual General Meeting 2020/21