Import tax concession of the expatriate workers slashed under Mahinda Chinthanaya

Since August 01, Sri Lanka government has revoked the import tax concessions for seven commodities that had been provided to the expatriate workers returning to Sri Lanka.

Accordingly, Air conditioners of all kinds, refrigerators of over 500 liter capacity with two or more doors, dish washers, deep freezers, four hearth cookers, automatic washing machines and 29” and 32” television sets cannot be purchased duty by returning expatriate workers under circular numbered BD/MISC/2008 issued on July 09.

The Customs Department says that the ban was imposed by the Ministry of Finance which comes under the direct purview of President Mahinda Rajapakse in his capacity as the Minister of Finance.

Mahinda Chinthana election manifesto of the current President stated, “I deeply appreciate the contribution made to our economy by those who go abroad for employment. Several schemes will therefore be formulated to provide the maximum benefits to those who work abroad.”

It further says, “The duty free allowance p resently available for returnees from employment abroad will be increased to US$ 5,000. Laws will be amended to allow the use of this facility during the first 6 months from the date of returning to Sri Lanka.”

Lanka-e-News learns that the government has taken this measure on the request of the duty free shop owners.

A photocopy of the Customs Department circular is shown herewith.