A ban on Kaduwela 'Auto Group' that modifies vehicles

The Colombo Commercial High Court has issued an interim injunction preventing the closure of Auto Group company located in Kaduwela or the transfer of its ownership to another party. Commercial High Court Judge Viraj Ranatunga issued this order after considering a petition filed by 'Gaup Automotive Technologies Private Limited', a luxury vehicle company in India.

This Kaduwela Auto Group institution, well-known for converting left-hand drive to right-hand drive and vehicle modifications, is an affiliate of the Australian Auto Group International Pty. Ltd. company, which is controlled by the father-son duo Peter Hill and Rob Hill.

President's Counsel Milinda Gunathilaka, appearing in court on behalf of the plaintiff Indian company, pointed out that the defendant company had entered into an agreement to import two American-made 'Hummer' (Hummer EV) electric vehicles and convert their left-hand drive systems to right-hand drive. The President's Counsel also informed the court that the company had received two and a half hundred thousand US dollars (250,000 USD) for this service.

Although the defendant party had agreed to re-export the converted vehicles back to India, they have failed to perform the task as agreed. Furthermore, the plaintiff party emphasized that there is a preparation to close down the Kaduwela factory, contrary to the agreed contracts. It was further revealed in court that since the board of directors of this institution consists of foreigners, a travel ban against them has already been obtained from the Kaduwela Magistrate's Court.