Vehicle import expenditure drops 27% in June

Expenditure on imported motor vehicles fell 27% month-on-month to USD 182 million, according to the latest External Sector Performance report from the Central Bank of Sri Lanka.

Cumulative spending on vehicle imports reached 1.254 billion during the first half of 2026, lower than the 1.572 billion recorded in the second half of 2025.

Meanwhile, total vehicle registrations dipped to 58,151 units in June from 62,776 units in May, with motor car registrations easing to 3,929 from 4,738, and brand-new registrations falling to 998 from 1,199, JB Securities reported.

The brokerage estimated financing backed roughly 43% of vehicle purchases during the month, whilst Sports Utility Vehicle and crossover registrations rose to 5,933 units to remain the strongest-performing passenger vehicle segment.