• Taxes amount to 20.5% of price of books: SLBPA

Stating that the 18% Value-Added Tax (VAT) imposed on books is an obstacle in selling books at discounted rates, the Sri Lanka Book Publishers’ Association (SLBPA) has invited readers to sign a public petition at the Colombo International Book Fair 2025 demanding a tax reduction.

SLBPA Secretary Lasitha Umagiliya made this request during a press conference held on Friday (19) about the Colombo International Book Fair scheduled to take place from 27 September to 6 October at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) premises.

“We invite readers to come and sign a public petition at the book fair requesting a reduction of the VAT,” he said.

Although prices of raw material have decreased to a certain extent at present, Umagiliya said that the only obstacle to providing significant discounts for books at the book fair was the VAT.

According to SLBPA President Samantha Indeewara, the total VAT and levies imposed on books at present amount to 20.5%, which amounts to one-fifth of the price of books. This includes a 2.5% Social Security Contribution Levy (SSCL).

Attempts to contact Deputy Minister of Economic Development Anil Jayantha Fernando and Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development Secretary Harshana Suriyapperuma on VAT imposed on books were unsuccessful.