Press briefing of Cabinet Decision taken on 2016-02-10

Revision of Customs import duty on imported rice

- Having considered the local paddy production anticipated in the up coming Maha Season 2015/2016, in order to protect the local farmer, steps have been taken to increase the import duty on imported rice from Rs.35/- per kg to Rs.50/- per kg, with effect from 2016-02-01. Accordingly, the proposal made by Hon. Ravi Karunanayake, the Minister of Finance, to submit the Gazette Notification (Extraordinary) No.1952/10 dated 2016-02-01, issued under the Revenue Protection Act, for the purpose, to the Parliament for approval, was approved by the Cabinet.