As of October 2023, there is no import suspensions on any categories except vehicles, though import licensing requirements apply to various items and goods ranging from agricultural products to household utility items.  In March 2022, the government had severely restricted imports to conserve foreign exchange, adding 367 items to its list restricted non-essential imports.  Shortages prompted the government to relax these restrictions in June and August 2022, before lifting the bans entirely in October 2023  The full list of government circulars/gazettes outlining the latest import restrictions/licensing requirements can be found at: https://www.imexport.gov.lk/index.php/en/downloads/gazette.html.

Poultry and some types of agriculture commodities are under import license control with agricultural commodities also requiring non-GMO certification. Sri Lanka reserves the right to prohibit GM agricultural commodities based on the precautionary principle.  The importation of chicken meat is prohibited, unless for further processing and export.

The import of drugs is subject to the approval of the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) of the Ministry of Health. 

The Ministry of Defense controls the import of firearms and ammunition for use by the armed forces, police, and civil security.  Certain military-related or dual-use items are prohibited or controlled.  Radars, night-vision devices, beta lights, armored vehicles, explosion-detection equipment, digital-jamming equipment, infrared illuminators, GPS equipment, and laser designators are prohibited.  Imports of laser/radar range finders and thermal-image devices are subject to Ministry of Defense approval.  Remote-controlled toys are also under license control for public security reasons.  There are restrictions on the import of toxic and hazardous chemicals and pesticides.  Used and reconditioned air conditioners and refrigerators are under license control for environmental protection.