By: Isuru Parakrama
November 05, Colombo (LNW): The government has announced an extension of the Rs. 50 per kilogramme special commodity levy on imported sugar, now set to remain in effect until December 31.
Originally due to expire on November 01, this levy has been extended by an official Gazette notification from President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, acting in his role as Minister of Finance.
The levy, first implemented a year ago on November 01, was intended to shield local consumers from volatile global sugar prices.
However, the decision to maintain this tax has drawn criticism, with former minister Manusha Nanayakkara pointing out the disparity between the administration’s promise to alleviate the tax burden on essential goods and its actions in retaining taxes on food items.
Nanayakkara argued that the government’s move contradicts its earlier stance on tax reform aimed at reducing the cost of living, especially on staple goods like sugar.
He added that, given the financial pressures faced by many households, maintaining such levies on essential imports may hinder affordability for consumers.
