(LANKAPUVATH | COLOMBO) – State Minister of Finance Ranjith Siyambalapitiya said that the government has decided to lift the ban on the import of 78 other items with effect from yesterday (24).
The State Minister said that among them are many items needed for the promotion of tourism and industry sectors including refrigerators, super-freezers, garments, ceramic goods, tiles, washing machines, radios, water heaters, brake liners, and brake pads.
Fifteen of the items that have been removed from import restrictions have been permitted to be imported with the approval of the Import and Export Controller based on the recommendations of the authorities in those fields.
These include cosmetics, perfumes, and dental hygiene products. These require the recommendation of the Chief Executive Officer of the National Medicines Regulatory Authority or the Director General of the Tourism Promotion Authority for import.
Due to the ongoing foreign exchange crisis, effective from last August 23, the government proceeded to suspend the import of goods belonging to 1468 HS codes.
The State Minister said that after considering the reasonable requests received from various parties, the government took steps to remove the import ban on 708 items on September 09.
A Gazette Notification in this regard has been issued by State Minister of Finance Ranjith Siyambalapitiya.
