Sri Lanka Customs to Auction 1,025 Unclaimed Port Vehicles

Sri Lanka Customs is preparing to auction or sell through tender approximately 1,025 imported vehicles that remain uncleared at Hambantota Port. Customs Media Spokesman Chandana Punchihewa reported that 625 of these vehicles have remained in the country for more than six months.

Although the vehicles are not linked to customs-related offenses, law requires goods to be cleared within one month after the payment of taxes and duties. The government is invoking Section 129 of the Customs Ordinance to dispose of the vehicles, a move likely prompted by port congestion and importer failures caused by foreign exchange shortages and economic uncertainty.

The government intends to use the sale proceeds to recover outstanding taxes, duties, and warehouse charges. Any remaining balance will be returned to the original importers. Importers may request a review of the sale on a case-by-case basis if they provide a justifiable reason for the clearance delay.