Tax hike on Potato imports

6 March 2012 01:33 pm - 8 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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The Government has increased the import duty on potatoes by 10 rupees per Kilo. Speaking to the Daily Mirror Minister of Agriculture Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena said that the increase is intended to protect local farmers. “Our government, in our Mahinda Chinthana policy framework made it very clear that we will protect the local farmer. It is based on this policy that we decided to increase the import duty for potatoes” he said.

The current tax would be increased from Rs.20 to Rs.30 per Kilo. Last year the tax was increased from Rs.10 to Rs. 20 during this season on the direct instructions of the President.

Commenting further the minister said that the rise in import duty will be reviewed in due course. “ This increase for imports was because our local farmers harvest during this time of the year, once the harvesting season is over we as a government will review the policy” he said.(By Hafeel Farisz)

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Comments - 8

Leslie Tuesday, 06 March 2012 02:18 PM

Does Mahinda Chntana policy mention about hefty fuel price increases, which has put up the prices of all most every item in the market and is causing much hardship to the common man.

Tharaka Chanaka Tuesday, 06 March 2012 03:06 PM

They are protecting the farmer, not our stomach's!

kondebendapucheena Tuesday, 06 March 2012 02:57 PM

Don't use Mahinda chinthanaya for every damn thing it is rotten now

Citizen Wednesday, 07 March 2012 03:08 AM

This is not to protect the farmers or the Mode Chintana its for the Govt as they are now without money

Nodrog Wednesday, 07 March 2012 04:08 AM

what logic is this? If potatoes can be imported cheaper then shouldn't the public benefit from this. We have to bear the brunt of price increases when world rises rise and now that farmers cannot grow potatoes cheaper we have to pay for that also???

Rimzan Hassan Wednesday, 07 March 2012 09:14 AM

Bright Future......

Gamaraala Wednesday, 07 March 2012 10:05 AM

Apply your logic and tell what should the famers do while you enjoy imported cheap Potatoes.

sam Thursday, 08 March 2012 05:57 AM

The govt shouldnt think only of the farmers, but of the consumers as well.

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Tax hike on Potato imports

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