The Court of Appeal today directed Sri Lanka Customs to promptly conclude its investigation into the motor capacities of BYD vehicles currently held by the department.

Presiding over the case, Court of Appeal President Justice Rohantha Abeysuriya noted in open court that while the collection of tax revenue is crucial to the national economy, the judiciary must also consider the rights and interests of vehicle buyers and importers.

Justice Abeysuriya instructed the petitioner company to cooperate fully with Customs to ensure the swift completion of the inquiry.

The directive was issued during the hearing of a petition filed by a private company seeking the release of its vehicles detained by Sri Lanka Customs.

Additional Solicitor General Sumathi Dharmawardena, appearing for Customs, informed the court that the vehicles could potentially be released on bail under certain conditions, contingent upon the petitioner’s continued cooperation with the ongoing investigation.

She further stated that a report concerning the vehicle inspection scanners imported by the petitioner company will be submitted to the court via motion on Monday.

Meanwhile, President’s Counsel Farzana Jameel, representing the petitioner, argued that the detention of the vehicles was carried out in contravention of existing legal provisions.

Despite extensive arguments, the court was unable to reach an agreement regarding the conditional release of the vehicles.

The Additional Solicitor General subsequently informed the court that an update on the possibility of an amicable settlement would be presented on 28 October.