Kanchana Wijesekera, Minister of State for Fisheries, Inland Fish and Shrimp Farms, Fisheries Harbor Development, Multi-Day Fisheries and Fish Exports has stated that the new tax on sprats or dried fish has not been increased by a new gazette notification from yesterday (13).
He emphasized that this was only an extension of a gazette notification issued in accordance with the law of the land to maintain the same amount of tax which was increased six months ago.
Six months ago steps have been taken to increase the tax on imported fish stocks from Rs. 25 to Rs. 200 imported dried fish and sprats from Rs. 100, on imported canned fish from Rs. 100 per kilo (Rs. 42.50 per 450g can) and on imported Maldive-fish from Rs. 300 per kilo.
He further stated that the decision to continue with the increased tax rates was taken at the request of the Ministry of Finance by the Ministry of Fisheries to protect local fishermen and local products.
