Import restrictions on passenger transport vehicles were lifted.

  The Ministry of Finance yesterday issued the Extraordinary Gazette, lifting import restrictions on buses used for public transport and trucks needed for special purposes. Ministry officials said that permission has also been given to release vehicles that have been imported and detained at the customs during the period in which the import of such vehicles had been restricted. .According to Finance State Minister Ranjith Siyabalapitiya, vehicles that have not been given customs declarations can be released by paying a 30% tax on the CIF value after reporting to the Controller General of Import and Export. "Allowing the import of buses will lead to the strengthening of passenger transport facilities and the promotion of the tourism industry", he said.