Pre-1977 Automobile Industry

The Liberalization of the Sri Lankan economy in 1977 opened the market, encouraging investments in private sector. As government followed a liberal economic policy – with the amendments to the regulations of export and import industries, overseas goods started to circulate in the local market.

Prior to 1977, the automobile market of the post-colonial Sri Lanka was dominated by British and European car brands such as Ford, Mini, Rolls Royce and… Back then purchasing a car was a luxury that only the crème de la crème of the society could enjoy as the vehicle importation was strictly limited and taxes were high.

Open Economy – Open Roads

With the amendments to importation policies Japanese motor brands were introduced to the local market, changing the direction and nature of Sri Lankan automobile industry. During this phase many aspiring entrepreneurs ventured into the second-hand vehicle trade, importing used Japanese cars.

With reliability, comfort and durability Japanese automobile brands were able to win the consumer trust and loyalty and by late 1980s the automobile market was booming. The auto showrooms (locally referred to as car sales), vehicle service stations and spare part shops were built to meet the increasing demand. With the growth of the industry, the importers realized the significance of unified voice to represent the interests of the vehicle importers advocating the industry.

The Birth of VIASL

It was the 16th of February 1984, six leading vehicle importers (Namely, Mr. D.R. Subasinghe, Mr. Raja Nanayakkara, Mr. W. Ranasinghe, Mr. Gihan Ramanayake, Mr. Sathya Dharmadhathu, and Mr. Moris Perera) took an unprecedented step in the history of vehicle importation industry in Sri Lanka by forming Vehicle Importation Association of Sri Lanka at No.93 Barnes Place, Colombo.

Our Forefathers

The founding members of VIASL were: