SL motor industry urged to set up single window platform
View(s):Sri Lanka’s motor industry was, once again, urged to set up a Single Window Platform that would address all issues also connecting to banks and related parties.
Bingumal Thewarathanthri, Vice Chairman of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, speaking at the Ceylon Motor Traders’ Association (CMTA) 105th Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Colombo recently, that the automobile industry has been advocating for the creation of a Single Window platform for years.
“We urgently need such a platform to ensure the trade is tracked properly. It would streamline the automobile trade by connecting banks, Customs, importers, exporters, logistic agencies, and shipping lines. Improved compliance and reduced opportunities for fraud or errors will lead to increased tax and duty collection. The creation of a Single Window is estimated to take about two years, with a projected cost ranging from US$ 20 million to US$ 80 million,” he said.
He said the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce has held discussions with Pakistan and has also received proposals from certain mature markets on this initiative. “Though the government is committed to the Single Window initiative, it has not taken significant steps towards its implementation so far. Allowing trade-based money laundering to persist could have catastrophic results for the country.”
The AGM saw the appointment of Andrew Perera, Managing Director, Kia Motors (Lanka) Limited, as the new Chairman of the Association, for the year 2025/2026. Lakmal De Silva and Shalain De Dilva were nominated as Vice Chairmen of the CMTA for the year 2025/2026.
A CMTA media release said that Mr. Perera, who was previously the Interim Chairman of the CMTA, brings with him a fresh, future-centric agenda shaped by resilience and renewed purpose. During his address to guests and members of the association, Mr. Perera spoke extensively about six core focus areas. He stated, “It is my firm commitment not only to preserve the CMTA’s rich legacy, but to build upon it with a renewed sense of purpose.”
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