CMTA launches ‘Buy Brand-new’ campaign to protect Sri Lankan car buyers

Ceylon Motor Traders Association (CMTA), the voice of the automotive industry body affiliated to the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, has initiated a national awareness campaign on the increasing risks of acquiring vehicles through various importers and the benefits of purchasing them through CMTA – authorised agents.

With many indirect imports continually rising into the Sri Lankan market, consumers are exposed to several hidden risks, including tampered mileages, accident repaired vehicles, unverified vehicle history, no warranty provided by the manufacturer, safety concerns, and no guarantee of authentic spare parts or after-sales availability in the country to assure ‘Peace of Mind’ mobility. The CMTA warned that while such vehicles may promise certain short-term savings, the long-term costs and risks to the consumer could be an expensive affair.

Manufacturer authorised agents provides multiple assurances that indirect imports cannot offer. This includes direct assistance from manufacturers such as trained staff, availability of parts, and reliable after-sales care including 24-hour roadside assistance throughout the vehicle’s life. It is important to note that vehicles purchased through authorised agents are supported by a comprehensive manufacture warranty. This not only saves substantial costs during the warranty period but also ensures high reliability. Additionally, it greatly reduces unnecessary outflow of foreign currency on repairs and import of spare parts for the government.

Vehicles imported via authorised agents are built specifically to meet Sri Lankan conditions. They are also eligible for official manufacture recall actions, which are critical safety interventions that grey imports often miss. Furthermore, all payments related to the importation of the vehicles to the country are made ethically where precise import duties are paid to the government with no under-invoicing nor funds transferred to suppliers through unauthorised channels. A further benefit for customers is that when the need arises, they are able to upgrade their vehicles through agents whilst being able to fetch a higher resale value for vehicles imported through the authorised agents.

Tharanga Gunawardena, Executive Committee Member of the CMTA, said, “The rise of in-direct imports has created serious concerns regarding both consumer safety and the national economy. Through this awareness campaign, our intention is to assist consumers make informed decisions and understand the real value of purchasing a brand-new vehicle through an authorised agent and the ‘Peace of Mind’ and authentic transactions they make”.

Vehicle imports through various channels have seen a rapid increase since the imports were relaxed in February 2025 and make up a considerable share of overall vehicle registrations. These vehicles do not go through any critical safety inspections, warranty processes or recall actions, unlike authorised agent imports, which leaves buyers without protection or assistance in the long term.

The CMTA stressed that this action is not merely a matter of consumer protection but involves the protection of Sri Lanka’s vehicle industry, equitable competition, as well as safeguarding government revenue. The Association reiterates its continued assistance towards regulatory efforts that ensure ethical trade and standards of safety and quality within the automotive sector.

The campaign encourages consumers to verify the origin of their vehicle before buying and to always invest on brand-new vehicles with CMTA-authorised agents. By doing so, they will help create a better, safer, more transparent, and sustainable automotive ecosystem for everyone.