A shortage of tamarind in the local market has led to retail prices soaring above Rs. 2,000 per kilogram in the Hatton area, reports say.

The retail price of a Tamarind kilo previously ranged from Rs. 350 – Rs. 400. 
According to traders, the shortage is attributed to a poor tamarind harvest this season.

The government has announced the import tax percentages applicable to vehicles imported from February 2025.

According to the gazette notification issued in this regard, excise duties ranging from 200% to 300% have been imposed on vehicles. 

The gazette, issued by the President in his capacity as the Minister of Finance, is as follows : 

Sri Lanka Customs has announced that 167,000 MT of rice has been imported to Sri Lanka since the government has permitted imports.Customs media spokesman – Seevali Arukgoda has said that this includes 66,000 MT of Red Raw Rice and 101,000 MT of Parboiled Rice.

The deadline for importing rice ended at midnight yesterday (Jan 10).