Sri Lanka: Special Goods Tax on imported potatoes increased

Government has increased the Special Goods Tax on imported potatoes up to Rs.40 from Rs.35 per kilogram as effective from midnight August 24 – with the intention of safeguarding the local potato farmers. The domestic harvest has started reaching the market and this decision has been taken subsequent to the constant request by local potato farmers to provide them a better price. The annual consumption of potatoes in Sri Lanka is about 180,000 metric tons and 70% of the requirement is imported.  Nearly Rs. 4,800 million is spent annually by the government to import potatoes. More