Import of 1,000 buses, vans to boost tourism

The government has decided to import 1,000 buses and vans to improve tourist transportation facilities.

Accordingly, to boost the tourism sector, the Cabinet of Ministers approved a proposal presented by the Minister of Tourism and Lands to import 750 vans and 250 buses.

As per the proposal, 6-15-seater vans, 16- 30-seater (small) buses, and 30- 45-seater (large) buses are planned to be imported without any special tax relief.

The government says that although it is considered a custom in the tourist industry that vehicles engaged in tourist transportation should not be used for more than 6 years, it is apparent that the condition of the vehicles used in the industry is not satisfactory and sufficient.

In a statement, it added that the fame earned by Sri Lanka as a prominent tourist destination is tarnished due to the usage of age-old vehicles and the limitation of vehicles and essential spare parts.

Therefore, the government has recognized the requirement to import vehicles essential for enhancing the industry, considering the contribution to the tourist industry within Sri Lanka’s economic revival process.