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Prices of several goods including mobile phones to be reduced

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Prices of several goods including mobile phones, refrigerators, fans and fruits are expected to come down after the Central Bank of Sri Lanka announced that it has decided to scrap the provision requiring individuals to deposit 100 per cent cash margin while opening letter of credit (LC) to import 843 products.

Last year, the Monetary Board of the Central Bank imposed a 100% cash margin deposit requirement against the importation of selected goods of non-essential/non-urgent nature made under Letters of Credit to preserve the stability of the exchange rate and foreign currency market liquidity.

In an order issued under the Monetary Law, the Central Bank imposed a 100% cash deposit margin on several other imports on Feb 16, 2023 as well.

However, both orders have been scrapped with the improvement in foreign currency reserves.

Accordingly, the prices of telecommunication devices such as mobile telephones and fixed telephones, home appliances such as fans, televisions, refrigerators, washing machines, digital cameras, heaters, lamps and ovens, clothing and accessories such as babies’ garments, jerseys, shirts and blouses, suits, track suits and swimwear, footwear, watches and sunglasses, household and furniture items and fruits including fresh apples, grapes, oranges and dried fruits are expected to reduce in the coming weeks.

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No new tax on small parcel imports – Customs

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Sri Lanka Customs has refuted social media claims alleging the imposition of a new tax on small parcel imports.

Addressing the media, Customs Media Spokesman and Additional Director Seevali Arukgoda emphasized that no new taxes have been introduced, nor are there any disruptions to the clearance of imported goods.

“We are not increasing tax rates… we are simply ensuring duties are calculated correctly,” he said. “The previous system allowed for significant undervaluation and misuse. Now, we are enforcing the existing laws more transparently.”

He explained that duties are now calculated using the globally accepted Harmonized System (HS) Code, which categorizes goods by type and value, replacing the older method of relying on parcel weight or flat rates that were often exploited.

Arukgoda further assured that no parcels are being withheld and reiterated that rates remain consistent with those approved by Parliament. The changes, he said, were implemented after adequate notice was given to courier services and importers — including a 1.5-month notice period and a 2-week transition phase.

He also noted that there is no requirement for recipients of online orders to visit Customs in person. Courier companies continue to handle delivery and clearance, he added.

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Starlink now available in Sri Lanka – Elon Musk

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Billionaire businessman Elon Musk has announced that the Starlinksatellite internet service is now available in Sri Lanka.

“Starlink now available in Sri Lanka!” Elon Musk said in a post on ‘X’.

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End of parate relief for large SMEs

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The grace period granted to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) under Sri Lanka’s Parate Execution Law officially ended midnight yesterday (June 30) for businesses with loans exceeding Rs. 50 million.

The Parate Law grants banks the authority to seize properties pledged as collateral without court proceedings. Although its implementation had been suspended for three months by the current administration—and for six months earlier under former President Ranil Wickremesinghe—it has now been reinstated, triggering serious concern among entrepreneurs.

Deputy Minister of Economic Development – Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando  has stated that the government intends to hold discussions with all relevant parties in the coming days to address the issues linked to the law’s reimplementation.

Meanwhile, Opposition Leader – Sajith Premadasa has warned that the re-implementation of the Parate Execution Law could lead to the rapid auctioning of assets from small, medium, and micro businesses, putting them at risk.

In a statement yesterday (June 30), he emphasized that these businesses contribute over 50% to Sri Lanka’s Gross Domestic Production (GDP) and employ over 04 million people.

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