3-Year Import Age Limit Stays for 2026 — Despite Industry Push for 5. Right Call?

Sri Lanka's 2026 vehicle import rules keep the age limit at 3 years from manufacture date for cars, SUVs, motorcycles and pickups. Importers lobbied hard for a 5-year window like commercial vehicles get, but the government held the line, and all petrol/diesel imports now also need Euro 6 compliance on top of that. Dealers argue a longer window means more overseas stock to choose from, which should push prices down through competition — right now only a thin slice of near-new cars qualify, so importers can charge what they like for that limited pool. Supporters of the 3-year rule say it keeps the fleet younger and cleaner, and stops Sri Lanka becoming the place where everyone else dumps ageing stock nobody else wants. Critics say that's exactly why prices haven't dropped the way people hoped after the import ban lifted — a tight leash on supply protects margins, not buyers. Would a 5-year limit actually bring prices down, or would importers just pocket the difference? If you're shopping right now, would you rather pay near-new money for a 2023 model, or take an older, cheaper import if the rule ever loosens? ඔයාගේ අදහස මොකක්ද - අවුරුදු 3ක සීමාව හොඳද නරකද, නැත්නම් 5ට දාන්න ඕනද?