Will discuss fuel relief and VAT removal with Finance Ministry
Fisheries Minister Douglas Devananda told the representatives of Fishermen’s Associations that he will discuss with the Finance Ministry regarding the removal of VAT and the provision of fuel relief.
In this regard, a discussion between the Minister and the representatives of multi-day vessel owners and the fish exporters’ associations was held at the Fisheries Ministry on March 18. The officials of the Board of Investment, the Finance Ministry, and the Inland Revenue Department attended the discussion.
The Minister instructed the Secretary of the Ministry and other officials to take measures to prepare a suitable methodology to provide VAT relief for fuel.
Expressing their views, the officials of the Association of Multi-Day Vessel Owners stated that they face various problems due to the increase of VAT and fuel prices. Earlier they had spent nearly Rs. 2.5 million to launch a multi-day vessel for fishing, but now it has been increased to Rs. 6 million. They also said that in the past a kilogram of tuna was sold for Rs. 2,000, but now it is sold for a lower price, and the fishermen are even contemplating quitting the fisheries industry.
Expressing views at the discussion, the fish exporters pointed out that countries such as the Maldives and India export tuna for a lower price and as a result, the demand for their fish has fallen.
Expressing further views, the Minister stated that he and the Government understand the issues faced by the fishermen and he would discuss with the President and bring out solutions to these issues very soon.
Senior officials of the Finance Ministry, Board of Investment, the Inland Revenue Department, the Secretary to the Ministry of Fisheries Nayana Kumari Somarathne and the Fisheries Department Director General Susantha Kahawatta attended the meeting.
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