Sri Lanka Customs has imposed a penalty of approximately 70 million rupees on a recently imported Rolls Royce Phantom Auto after it was discovered that the vehicle was wrongfully declared, according to two government sources.
Earlier this month, a high-end Rolls Royce was imported into the country. The importer declared the vehicle’s value at 417,000 sterling pounds, which included a 20 percent tax in the United Kingdom. However, officials noticed discrepancies in the vehicle’s specifications. The length and wheel size exceeded those typical of the Rolls Royce Phantom Auto model.
Upon further inspection, customs officials identified the car as a Rolls Royce Phantom Auto EWB (Extended Wheel Base) model, which has a value of around 479,000 sterling pounds, including the UK tax. Consequently, the importer was required to pay a total of 370 million rupees, which included the 70 million rupee penalty for the misdeclaration.
Attempts to reach Customs Spokesman Chandana Punchihewa for comments were unsuccessful.
The import has stirred controversy, particularly on social media, where there were claims that the car was a Rolls Royce Phantom Centenary model. This claim was fueled by a social media post from Sri Lankan businessman Dudley Sirisena, who stated that his new luxury vehicle is one of only 25 models produced to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Rolls-Royce brand.
Officials, however, have clarified that the vehicle is not believed to be a Centenary model. If it were to be identified as such, the tax alone would surpass 1 billion rupees. “As far as we know, it is not a Centenary model. But if Customs confirms it, the importer will be liable for additional taxes and penalties,” stated the second government official.
(Colombo/January 21/2026)
