State Minister of Finance justifies lifting of import ban on 78 items

State Minister of Finance Ranjith Siambalapitiya

State Minister of Finance Ranjith Siambalapitiya yesterday justified the Government’s decision to lift the import ban on 78 items citing that it was to support the industries and tourism sectors.

He pointed out that there are many goods needed for the development of tourism and industries. As per the eased import restrictions on several items include; refrigerators, freezers, clothes, ceramic goods, tiles, washing machines, radios, water heaters, brake liners and brake pads.

State Minister...

State Minister of Finance said that import restrictions have been removed by the Government for 15 items based on the recommendations of the Import and Export Controller and respective authorities in those fields. These include; cosmetics, perfumes, dental and hygiene products.

He noted that to import these goods needed the recommendation of the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) Chief Executive Officer and Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) Director General.

On 23 August, the Government restricted the import of 1,468 HS code items following the ongoing foreign exchange crisis.

However, he said considering the fair demands received from various parties; the Government took steps to remove the ban on 708 goods as of 9 September.