The Minister of Agriculture and Plantation, Mr. Mahinda Amaraweera says that the government does not have a policy of continuously charging VAT.
The minister mentioned that although the government has taken some measures to revive the country economically, the government is not taking such measures while participating in a program to distribute coconut saplings to the farming families of Suriyawewa Viharagala village.
The minister who further commented,
“These days, there is a lot of talk in the society that the price of goods will increase due to the increase in VAT. There may be an increase in the price of some goods. But we as a government are not happy to impose these taxes, but the government is taking some steps to revive this country economically. The government does not have a policy of continuous VAT collection.
Farmers are constantly asking me if there will be an increase in fertilizer prices due to this VAT. I am saying that all the fertilizers required for this season have been imported to the country by now. They are imported at old prices. No VAT is charged for it.
Therefore, it is not possible to increase the price of fertilizers sold in the Maha season.
If someone sells these at higher prices, I recommend to get a bill from them. Send it to us. We can take necessary legal action.”
