Srilanka, Jan. 23 -- President Anura Kumara Dissanayaka said yesterday that though there will be a price increase upon resuming vehicle imports in February, after a five-year pause, the prices will gradually decrease depending on market behaviour.

Participating in a television programme last night, he said that vehicle prices will initially rise to manage the high demand during the first few months. But over time, the government plans to ease this pressure gradually.

"Between USD 1 and 2 billion worth of vehicles were imported annually in 2018 and 2019. Specifically, nearly USD 2 billion worth of vehicles were imported in 2018, and USD 1.4 billion in 2019. The decision to resume vehicle imports was not made to strengthen the dollar res...