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The government will reduce duty and levies imposed on imported sanitary pads, State Minister for Women and Child Affairs Geetha Kumarasinghe said. The Minister told Parliament today that President Ranil Wickremesinghe has ordered authorities to reduce ports and airport development levy, cess levy and customs duty imposed on pads. “Once the levies are reduced, the prices of sanitary napkins will come down. Meanwhile we will encourage and promote local manufacturers as well,” Ms. Kumarasinghe. She said a local manufacturer has assured to provide a packet of pads for Rs. 150 for school girls. At present the price of a packet is sold between Rs.300-500.
Several opposition MPs raised concerns over the prices of sanitary pads highlighting that school girls are staying back at home during periods unable to afford pads. Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella also said they are looking to get the support of Indian entrepreneur Arunachalam Muruganathan aka Pad Man to manufacture pads here.
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A Sri Lanka Air Force Bell 212 helicopter belonging to the No. 72 squadron has crashed into the Madhuru Oya reservoir this morning, Air FOrce Media Spokesman Eranda Geeganage said.
Read this week’s Sunday Times for your interesting articles including the ’’5th Column’’.
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