Wahanaya.lk articles
Plain answers to common questions about buying, selling and leasing vehicles in Sri Lanka.
Showing 38–49 of 139 articles
You need the original CR book, a valid revenue licence, insurance and VET certificate, signed MTA 6 and MTA 8 forms, and NIC copies for both parties. If there's a lease or mortgage, add a release letter from the finance company, and the buyer now needs a TIN.
Wahanaya.lk team7 min read
A permit car first entered Sri Lanka on a concessionary duty, so it was cheaper when new, but once it's secondhand you must compare mileage, condition, CR book history and any unpaid duty, not just the permit label, to see if the price gap is real.
Wahanaya.lk team7 min read
If your vehicle won't be used for a while, apply for a Notice of Non-User at your Divisional Secretariat instead of renewing the revenue licence. It costs far less, stops the late-renewal surcharge, and can be held for up to two years.
Wahanaya.lk team7 min read
Yes, you can legally sell a car privately on installments, but you can no longer hold the CR book as security until the buyer finishes paying, because the DMT has banned 'open papers' and will strictly enforce the 14-day transfer rule from 1 December 2026.
Wahanaya.lk team7 min read
Yes, you can hand over a vehicle that still has an unpaid spot fine, but clearing it first avoids transfer delays, buyer suspicion, and the risk of the fine going to Magistrate's Court.
Wahanaya.lk team7 min read
A registered dealer gives you a paper trail, a trade licence and a CAA complaint route, while a private seller is usually cheaper but gives you no warranty and more fraud risk. Check documents carefully either way before you pay.
Wahanaya.lk team6 min read
You book an inspection with a professional valuer (often a chartered engineer registered with the Institute of Valuers Sri Lanka), bring the CR book, your NIC, and the vehicle itself, and get a written report of its market value in a few working days.
Wahanaya.lk team7 min read
Check the buyer's NIC and driving licence, go with them on every drive, keep your CR book and spare key with you, and stick to a short, familiar daylight route. Confirm with your insurer whether your policy covers the drive before you hand over the keys.
Wahanaya.lk team8 min read
Islamic vehicle leasing (Ijara) uses a rental/profit structure with no interest, while conventional leasing charges interest on the loan amount. Both are regulated by the Central Bank, both list the finance company as the vehicle's owner until you finish paying, and both end with you owning the car.
Wahanaya.lk team7 min read
Yes, but only if you hold a valid residence, work, or dual-citizenship visa — a tourist visa is not enough. You use your passport plus a Grama Niladhari certificate for your address in place of an NIC.
Wahanaya.lk team7 min read
Selling privately usually gets you a better price than a dealer trade-in in Sri Lanka, but it takes longer and means more paperwork and viewings. A trade-in is faster and more convenient if you want a guaranteed, same-week sale.
Wahanaya.lk team7 min read
Compare two used cars on more than price: check the CR book and mortgage status at the RMV, verify the chassis and engine numbers, confirm the revenue licence and emission test are current, and test-drive both before deciding.
Wahanaya.lk team7 min read
