Spare parts ban put on hold

The ban on import of spare parts for two-stroke three-wheelers has been put on hold until further notice, Environment and National Resources Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka said. At a recent media briefing, the Minister stressed that the government had no intention to ban the import of spare parts following requests made by tri-shaw organisations countrywide.

He said it will be hard on many tri-shaw owners, whose livelihood depend on the transport of passengers and goods. There have been anxious inquiries from them on the proposed Government's move. However, the Minister assured that engines, bodies and cylinders for the vehicles will face the ban from 2011. Minister Ranawaka also said that there will be no change in the regulations prohibiting the import of two-stroke three wheelers from January next year.

- AK