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Car News from Sri Lanka

An island market where kei cars are popular and imported vehicles carry heavy taxes. BYD's Racco launched there before any country outside Japan.

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This page collects news about the Sri Lankan car market. Imported vehicles carry heavy taxes there, and the BYD Racco’s price shows the effect against its home market. The BYD Racco, a Japanese-market electric kei car, launched in Sri Lanka in October 2026 as its first market outside Japan, at an introductory price 2.5 times the Japanese starting price.

BYD is the brand to watch: its local distributor, John Keells CG Auto, is targeting 3,000 Raccos in the first year.

Frequently asked questions

Which kei cars are sold in Sri Lanka?
Kei cars are an established segment in Sri Lanka. EconomyNext lists 9,550 Suzuki Wagon-R and 1,870 Suzuki Spacia registrations in the year to August 2026. BYD added the electric Racco in October 2026.
Is BYD sold in Sri Lanka?
Yes. John Keells CG Auto distributes BYD, and BYD's Asia-Pacific sales division says around 15,000 BYD vehicles are on Sri Lankan roads.
Why are cars expensive in Sri Lanka?
CarNewsChina attributes high car prices to import duties and taxes. EconomyNext says imported vehicles face heavy taxes following currency depreciation and balance-of-payments pressures.

News about Sri Lanka

BYD Racco is 2.5 times pricier in Sri Lanka
BYD Racco is 2.5 times pricier in Sri Lanka

The introductory price runs to 9 November; distributor JKCG targets 3,000 sales in the first year.
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