Publishers call for reduction of VAT on books

21 September 2025 06:45 pm Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 5 Bookmark

CHATURANGA PRADEEP SAMARAWICKRAMA Follow

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Colombo, Sept. 21 (Daily Mirror) - The Sri Lanka Book Publishers Association yesterday said the 18% Value Added Tax (VAT) imposed on books has become a major obstacle to offering discounted prices to readers.

Addressing the media on the 2025 Colombo International Book Fair, Association Secretary Lasitha Umagiliya said visitors to the event will be invited to sign a public petition calling for a reduction in VAT on books. The fair will be held at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) premises from September 27 to October 6.

Umagiliya noted that although the prices of raw materials used in book production have dropped to some extent, the VAT continues to hinder publishers from granting significant discounts.

Association President Samantha Indeewara said that books are currently subject to a total tax burden of 20.5%, including the 18% VAT and the 2.5% Social Security Contribution Levy (SSCL), which amounts to one-fifth of the price of a book.

Comments - 5

Krish Sunday, 21 September 2025 11:18 PM

I think right now our budget deficit is the biggest issue we have. So, if economy collapses again because of low taxes none of these things matters. First let's try to expand our income sources shall we. Then we can think about these.

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Dr Prasad Edirisooriya Monday, 22 September 2025 01:48 AM

This is the digital age, say goodbye to old paper books.

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Publishers have to pay tax and VAT Monday, 22 September 2025 04:08 AM

Everyone one wants lower VAT and tax. Books are not essential, and religious books definitely should be taxed just like other things for entertainment or time wasting things!

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Dr Tissa Fernando Monday, 22 September 2025 08:04 AM

Great Pachanayake critisized VAT on books and promised to remove it if elected ,but one year later, the VAT is still there and His Excellency has been doing world tour.

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Publishers are trying to evade taxes Monday, 22 September 2025 08:54 AM

If book is 50% discounted total VAT on the book drops by 50%. If 10% discounted, 10% less VAT. Publishers are trying to pull wool over public eyes with the support of religious groups, who are being donated too to turn up for these devious shows.

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