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Vehicle Imports Resume to Sri Lanka 1,560 Used Cars Arrive
Vehicle imports to Sri Lanka have resumed following the lifting of the import ban on February 1, but high taxes continue to limit sales, market sources say. New vehicle importers are currently processing orders, and it typically takes about four to six months for a new vehicle to arrive. Importers are required to register imported…
Get ready to pay VAT for Gmail, Facebook etc. Law is to be implemented since October 1
Sri Lanka is ready to tax the digital services supplied by non-Sri Lankans from October 1. This was legalised by the certification of VAT (amendment) Act No. 4 of 2025. Inland Revenue Department said in a press release that procedures for registration, payment and compliance would be specified by the Commissioner General in due course….
Sri Lanka’s Trade Gap with China Hits Record High, Exceeding US$4 Billion Imports from Sri Lanka in 2024 barely higher than the worth of durian fruit it imported from Malaysia
China’s trade surplus with Sri Lanka surged to an all-time high of over US$4 billion (Rs. 1.195 trillion) in 2024, nearly doubling from the previous year and highlighting the growing imbalance in bilateral commerce. According to official data, Sri Lanka exported just US$251.91 million worth of goods to China in 2024 — a 2% decline…
How to Claim Withheld Tax on Fixed Deposits Applicable for Individuals Earning Less Than Rs. 1.8 Million Annually
From April 1, 2025, the withholding tax on interest from fixed deposits in Sri Lanka has been increased from 5% to 10%. However, the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) states that individuals whose total annual income is less than Rs. 1.8 million are eligible to claim a refund of the tax deducted on interest. To do…
US Tariff Hike May Deepen Sri Lanka’s Economic Struggles Fitch Warns
Sri Lanka’s fragile economy could face further strain following the United States’ recent tariff hikes, warns Fitch Ratings. The global credit rating agency stated that countries with low external buffers and high debt burdens, like Sri Lanka, are particularly vulnerable to the ripple effects of the escalating US trade war. Currently rated CCC+, Sri Lanka…
Sri Lanka to Reduce Prices of Liquid Milk and Yoghurt After theFollowing VAT Exemption VAT Exemption
The prices of liquid milk and yoghurt made from locally sourced fresh milk are expected to decrease following the Sri Lankan government’s recent decision to exempt these products from Value Added Tax (VAT). This tax relief follows the enactment of the Value Added Tax (Amendment) Act No. 04 of 2025, which received certification on 11…