Wahanaya.lk articles
News, model reviews, advice and plain guides to buying, selling and leasing vehicles in Sri Lanka.
Showing 158–169 of 282 articles
A slipping feeling when you accelerate, a burning smell near the pedals, and a clutch pedal that bites higher or lower than before are the clearest signs. In Colombo's stop-start traffic, clutches wear out much faster than on the open road.
Wahanaya.lk team7 min read
Yes, but it depends on the finance company. Some require Sri Lankan citizenship, others accept any resident over 18 with a valid NIC or passport, proof of address, and income — so check the specific company's rule before you apply.
Wahanaya.lk team7 min read
No. Buying on open papers means the car stays legally registered to the previous owner, so you inherit unclear ownership, possible fines, and legal risk. Insist on a dated transfer within 14 days, especially with DMT's enforcement starting December 2026.
Wahanaya.lk team7 min read
A dual purpose vehicle is legally one with a gross weight up to 3,500kg and no more than 9 seats, built to carry goods and people, while a private car is the standard saloon/passenger class. The class is fixed on the CR book and affects your revenue licence and insurance, so check it before you buy.
Wahanaya.lk team8 min read
There's no single law forcing every borrowed-car trip to carry a letter of authority. But you must always carry your licence, the vehicle's revenue licence and insurance, and a written authorisation from the owner is required or strongly advised in specific cases, like financed vehicles, company…
Wahanaya.lk team6 min read
You need comprehensive insurance for the whole lease term, with the leasing company's interest noted on the policy — third-party cover alone will not satisfy your lease agreement.
Wahanaya.lk team7 min read
You can sell a car that still has a bank mortgage, but the RMV will not transfer it to a buyer until the mortgage is cancelled. Settle the loan, get a release letter from the bank, then cancel the mortgage at the DMT before you hand over the CR book.
Wahanaya.lk team7 min read
Most petrol cars need new spark plugs every 20,000-100,000 km depending on the plug type, but worn plugs show up sooner as rough idling, poor mileage, or a failed emission test. Check your plug type and don't wait for a complete misfire.
Wahanaya.lk team7 min read
Register at the DMT with form MTA-2, your customs clearance papers (CUSDEC/Bill of Entry) and import permit within 90 days of the Bill of Entry date, or you pay a monthly penalty of 3% of the CIF value, capped at 45%.
Wahanaya.lk team8 min read
A finance lease is run by a CBSL-registered finance company that stays the vehicle's 'absolute owner' on your CR book until final payment; hire purchase is a less-regulated instalment sale with different repossession rules. Nearly all vehicle finance in Sri Lanka today is a finance lease.
Wahanaya.lk team7 min read
From 1 December 2026 the DMT says it will strictly enforce the rule that sellers must report a sale within 14 days using the MT6 form. If you sold a vehicle and never finished the paperwork, finish it now so you're not still legally liable for it.
Wahanaya.lk team7 min read
Yes. From 1 November 2026 you need a TIN certificate from the Inland Revenue Department to register a vehicle in your name, transfer ownership, or renew its revenue licence, with a few exemptions.
Wahanaya.lk team7 min read
