The Cess levy proposed by the 2023 Budget will not affect essential food items, said State Minister of Finance Ranjith Siyambalapitiaya, commenting on reports emerging that the newly imposed Cess contributes to the rising food prices.
“We have identified 210 essential food items. Levies like Cess and Customs will not be charged for them. The Special Trade Items Tax, the only tax that imposed on such items, will be charged on them. No change was made on that Special Trade Items Tax. Therefore, no tax revision was made contributing to food items taken into dialogue such as rice, onions, chick peas, potatoes, corn, lentils, sugar and sprats,” the Minister said.
Siyambalapitiya went on: “Accordingly, the Cess levy revised about two days ago has not changed the percentage, but the latter only matched in comparison with the Rupee’s depreciation. This was what contributed to the wrong speculation that spread across the country. It should be clearly stated that essential items are not included whatsoever.”
MIAP
