All import restrictions to be removed: Minister

State Minister of Finance Shehan Semasinghe said that action to remove import restrictions on all items apart from vehicles will take place next month.

He made the statement during the fifth phase of the island-wide public awareness programme on the government's new tax policy, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) program and the progress of the state revenue and economic stabilization which took place in Anuradhapura today.

He further stated that as a result of the economic reforms carried out by the government, the state income has increased so far, and that they are working to expand the tax paying network via digitalization.

He said that there are about 400 existing government businesses, and upon restructuring the businesses, the unprofitable will be consolidated, and that the government will not interfere with starting new businesses.

MP Semasinghe also said that they will work together with the Asian Development Bank to provide the necessary financial assistance to strengthen small and medium scale entrepreneurs in Sri Lanka.