Sri Lanka’s book industry has urged the Government to exempt books from taxes in the upcoming national budget. Four key industry bodies, including publishers, writers, retailers, importers and exporters, submitted the proposal.
They stressed that taxing books negatively affects financial and social aspects, making books unaffordable and harming small-scale publishers. The industry is already taxed at 33.045 percent, with an additional 18 percent VAT at the point of sale.
Addressing a media briefing, Sri Lanka Book Publishers Association (SLBPA) President Samantha Indeewara noted that the new Government, while in Opposition, had criticised VAT on books. He expressed optimism that their concerns would be addressed in the next budget.
The proposal also highlighted that most publishing companies cannot deduct VAT, worsening the impact on smaller publishers. Taxing books violates the UNESCO Florence Agreement of 1950, to which Sri Lanka is a signatory.
SLBPA General Secretary Dinesh Kulatunga warned that VAT on books would have long-term negative impact on education, access to cultural knowledge and the viability of book businesses.
The proposal was jointly signed by the SLBPA, Sri Lanka Writers Association, All Ceylon Booksellers Association, and the Sri Lanka Book Importers and Exporters Association.
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