📈 Vehicle Registrations Hit All-Time High in Jan 2026

Sri Lanka’s vehicle market saw a record-breaking January, reaching 55,365 units (up from 48,525 in Dec 2025) following the easing of import restrictions. The surge highlights a recovering economy and resilient external sector. • Market Breakdown • Two-wheelers: Dominating with 64.17% of total registrations (35,527 units). • Three-wheelers: Steady growth, led by Indian imports. • Locally Assembled: Rose to 8,239 units, primarily driven by the two-wheeler segment. • SUVs & Crossovers: 7,664 units registered, with Toyota (Raize) and Honda (Vezel) leading. • Sector Insights • Construction: A sharp rise in heavy trucks and tipper registrations indicates the sector has moved "beyond survival mode," with 2025 GDP estimates for the industry 32% above the 2023 trough. • Luxury Segment: While volumes remain low (206 units), high-end imports like Ferrari and Rolls-Royce generate cumulative taxes of nearly 200%, boosting government revenue. • Green Mobility: EV registrations grew to 3,763 units, while Hybrids reached 3,465 units. • External Sector & Trade • Vehicle Imports: Totaled US$ 2.162 Bn for 2025. Monthly imports peaked at US$ 311.1 Mn in Dec. • Current Account: Despite high imports, a surplus of US$ 45.2 Mn was maintained in Dec, supported by record remittances. • Origin: India remains the top source (30,766 units), followed by Japan (9,603) and China (4,959).