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| Sunday, 6 February 2005 |
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Essential relief items exempted from duty The Finance and Planning Ministry has authorised the Sri Lanka Customs to charge duty and taxes on items received as relief to tsunami victims, other than medical supplies, milk powder, infant milk, roofing materials and components of pre-fabricated houses. According to Finance Ministry sources rice, biscuits, instant food, garments including used clothes and drinking water will no longer be permitted to released free of duty and taxes in view of the implications on local producers and industries. Sources further said that two circulars dated on December 28, 2004 and January 07, 2005 would be withdrawn from February 04. Ministry also said that a large quantity of rice had been received as donations and released free of duty and tax according to earlier circulars and at a time the 2004/05 Maha paddy crop was being harvested paddy farmers should not be discouraged. The decision has been accepted even by the World Food Programme (WFP) while they wish to continue food aid. The Ministry also request the voluntary organisations providing relief to tsunami victims to seek cash donations rather than seeking donations in kind as most of requirements now can be met from local resources. |
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