(COLOMBO, LANKAPUVATH) –President Maithripala Sirisena yesterday gave instructions not to apply the 14% withdrawal tax on sales of tele-dramas. Due to misunderstanding of the new tax regime, there have been certain anomalies with regards to the 14% withdrawal tax.
Accordingly, Finance and Media Minister Managala Samaraweera is to give written directions to the Head of media institutes on the cancellation.
President Maithripala Sirisena said that if the new tax regime in anyways hinders the progress of local cinema and tele dramas, steps will be taken to resolve such matters through discussions with the relevant authorities.
President Sirisena made these observations at a discussion held with a group of artists and representatives of Artists’ Associations at the Presidential Secretariat yesterday morning.
The artists explained the difficulties they will have to undergo due to the new tax policies introduced by the government. After listening to their grievances, President Sirisena assured that he will discuss the matters with the Finance Minister.
