The National Book Traders Association reports a 20% increase in printed book prices due to the imposition of an 18% Value Added Tax (VAT) and Nation Building Tax (NBT), effective January 2024.

 Sri Lanka Book Publishers’ Association President Samantha Indeewara clarified that books, previously exempt from VAT, are now taxed at 18%, unlike stationery, which rose from 3% to 18%. 

The Presidential Secretariat is analyzing the issue, with a response pending. 

Gamini Moragoda, Patron of the Association, warned that the unprecedented tax, unseen globally, threatens the book industry and could make books unaffordable for children.