State Minister of Ornamental Fish, Inland Fish and Prawn Farming, Fishery Harbour Development, Multi-day Fishing Activities and Fish Exports, Kanchana Wijesekera said the taxes on imported sprats and dried fish have not been increased by the Gazette Extraordinary issued by the Ministry of Finance on Friday (August 13). The Gazette Extraordinary was issued to maintain the same taxes which were increased six months ago. The State Minister said six months ago, the Rs. 25 tax imposed on imported fish stocks was increased to Rs. 200. The other taxes were also increased, including a tax of Rs. 100 on imported dried fish and sprats, Rs. 42.50 on imported canned fish weighing 450g and Rs.300 on Maldive fish.
Following a request by the Fisheries Ministry from the Finance Ministry, it was decided to continue these taxes without any further increase to safeguard local fishermen and local products.