MP Uddika Premaratne told Parliament yesterday that the cinema industry can be boosted if it is placed under the Industries Ministry. The MP said that the cinema industry is currently under the purview of the Ministry of Mass Media. This industry is in a wide field and it is mandatory to bring it under the Ministry of Industries.
The MP said this questioning Transport, Highways and Mass Media Minister Dr. Bandula Gunawardena.The MP also said that cinema is not just for entertainment but it is a wide industry. This should be under the Industries Ministry. There is an entertainment tax imposed at film halls. The tax varies according to different Provinces.
Entertainment tax in Jaffna is 12 percent. 10 percent entertainment tax is charged in the Southern Province. The correct tax is 7.5 percent. This entertainment tax was abolished during former President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s era with the aim of encouraging the cinema industry.
In addition to this, if cinema is to be boosted, producers are essential. Nowadays, it is difficult to find a producer to make a film. Even if a producer is found, film distribution agencies charge 10 percent of tax. The Film Corporation also charges 10 percent of tax. After charging all those taxes, the producer is left with only a debt. A producer will never survive under such conditions. So, I have a question why this field is not taken under the Industries Ministry.
Responding to the question of MP Premaratne, Transport, Highways and Mass Media Minister Dr.Bandula Gunawardhana said that many rounds of long discussions were held with the former Industries Minister, Dr. Ramesh Pathirana, on whether or not the cinema industry should be included in the Industries Ministry. MP Uddika’s points are also true. I won the best film producer award twice. Even as a producer, I have contributed to the promotion of cinema before entering Parliament. A Cabinet memorandum to make this sector an industry was submitted after consultation with Minister Dr. Ramesh Pathirana. However, Cabinet declared that it cannot be approved to run as an industry.
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