Heavy tax on tele dramas and films re-imposed
View(s):The tax exemption granted to local tele- dramas and films in telecasting over television channels by former Finance Minister Mangala Samaraeera in 2018 has been lifted recently and re-imposed.
Issuing a special gazette notification on February 2021, under the signature of Finance Minister and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, the tax has been reinforced and currently applicable to tele dramas, films and imported commercials.
This Rs. 150,000 levy is applicable to all tele dramas and films which has a duration of 30 minutes and spreads over not more than four series, official sources said.
Earlier if the programmes were telecast in the original form, without being dubbed, the tax was not imposed.
Vehemently protesting against the government’s latest move, several members of local artistes association told the Business Times that the levy is unbearable for local producers and TV channels.
They urged government authorities to hold constructive consultations with the stakeholders to reach consensus and compromise on this matter ensuring a ‘win-win’ result. (BS)