The National Book Traders Association says that the price of printed books has increased by 20% due to the imposition of Value Added Tax (VAT) and Nation Building Tax (NBT).

Sri Lanka Book Publishers’ Association President – Mr. Samantha Indeewara, made this statement while speaking at the annual anniversary event of the National Book Traders Association.

“The price of a book has increased by 20%, or about one-fifth. Officials are confusing the issue. Previously, there was a 15% VAT imposed on many items but there was no VAT on printed books. That’s what directly changed from 0% to 18%. Stationery previously had only 3% VAT. They are mixing up these two categories.”

“Around a week ago, there was a letter from the Presidential Secretariat stating that they are conducting an analysis regarding VAT and will subsequently provide an answer,” he added.
Meanwhile, Mr. Gamini Moragoda, patron of the National Book Traders Association, also expressed his views to the media on the matter:

“A VAT that is not levied in any other country in the world is being imposed on our books. The introduction of this tax from Jan. 2024, which didn’t exist in Sri Lanka for 75 years, is destroying the book industry. If this continues, a child will not be able to afford a single book in the future,” he pointed out.

Fisheries, Aquatic Resources, and Ocean Resources Minister Ramalingam Chandraseker, has taken decisive steps to appoint a special committee focused on preventing and minimising accidents involving fishing vessels at sea.

Following this directive, the Minister has formally instructed the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Department Director General Susantha Kahawatta to establish the committee and prepare comprehensive recommendations to enhance maritime safety.

This move comes in response to a series of tragic incidents that occurred on June 28, when several fishing boats departing from the Dondara, Beruwala and Tangalle harbours met with accidents at sea, resulting in the loss of several fishermen’s lives. In addition to investigating these incidents, the committee will focus on raising awareness within the fishing community to help prevent similar tragedies in the future.

Director General Susantha Kahawatta stated that the Ministry is closely monitoring the situation. He confirmed that all necessary efforts are underway to locate the missing fishermen and to provide relief and support to the affected families.

He further emphasised the Ministry’s continued commitment to the safety and welfare of the fishing community and assured that proactive measures will be introduced to reduce the risk of such incidents going forward.

(dailynews.lk)

(This story, originally published by dailynews.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)

A special session of the Sri Lankan Parliament will commence at 9:30am today (June 30), presided over by Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne, to present the Government’s Mid-Year Fiscal Strategy Statement in accordance with Section 11 of the State Financial Management Act No. 44 of 2024.

As mandated by the Act, the government is required to present its fiscal strategy to Parliament by June 30 each year. 

This year’s presentation follows a formal request made by the Prime Minister under Standing Order 16. Following the morning session, a debate on the adjournment motion related to the fiscal strategy will be held until 4:30 pm today.