Politics · Sri Lanka Bureau
Sri Lanka to exempt books from value added tax, President announces
President announces tax exemption for books as part of efforts to promote literacy and reduce publishing costs. The move aims to make printed materials more affordable for Sri Lankan readers.
LSN Sri Lanka ·
Sri Lanka's President has announced plans to exempt books from value added tax (VAT), marking a significant policy shift aimed at promoting literacy and reducing the financial burden on readers and publishers across the island nation.
The tax exemption is expected to lower the cost of books by removing the VAT component from the final retail price. Publishing industry observers have long argued that taxation on printed materials creates barriers to access, particularly in a country where educational resources remain a critical development priority.
The announcement reflects growing recognition among policymakers of the importance of affordable access to educational and literary materials. By exempting books from VAT, the government seeks to encourage reading habits, support the publishing sector, and facilitate broader access to knowledge across Sri Lankan society.
Implementation details regarding which categories of books will qualify for the exemption and the timeline for the policy change remain to be clarified by relevant government authorities. The move is expected to benefit students, educators, libraries, and general readers who will face reduced costs when purchasing books both domestically and through imports.