Politics and taxes have kept some exhibitors out of book fair: MP

29 September 2025 10:16 am Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 3 Bookmark

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Colombo, Sept. 29 (Daily Mirror) - Some exhibitors who have participated in the Colombo International Book Fair previously have kept away from the exhibition this year due to political interference, Opposition MP Amila Prasad Siriwardana alleged yesterday.

MP Siriwardana told Daily Mirror that the government had allegedly influenced the organizers and requested them to give priority to exhibitors who have been associated with them." I got to know from reliable sources that one exhibitor Vidarshana Publications which have been participating in the exhibition for years have decided to keep away from the exhibition.

Some believe that taxes charged for books is one reason for some exhibitors to keep away this year," he added.

The current rate of Value Added Tax on books is 18 percent and it has been reported that book publishers want it be removed.

The MP initially highlighted issue of alleged undue influence by the government in Parliament last week.

The Colombo International Book Fair which was opened on Saturday September 27 will go on till October 6.

Comments - 3

Krish Monday, 29 September 2025 10:36 AM

I'm not sure about politics. But pretty sure there are less number of books to choose from compared to last year. And ironically last year I felt there are less number of books compared to year before that. I'm pretty sure taxes have something to do with it, but bigger problem is number of books coming into to Sri Lanka is very low compared to other countries. This is not recent issue.

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dds Monday, 29 September 2025 10:52 AM

It's not clear if Vidarshana guys stayed away because of tax or political reasons. If it's tax reasons, everyone's going through it. It's an issue for everyone, but only some have stayed away. That's their choice. But dragging in politics here, this MP is trying to muddy the water, running an agenda. Aren't these journalists given training to get things verified so that a clear picture can be given to the public without creating ambiguity. Poor professional practices!

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Priyan66 Monday, 29 September 2025 01:28 PM

Book exhibitors some times sell quality rejected books and in some cases pages are missing the books. I do not go to book fair now due to these reasons

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