The imposition of Value Added Tax and additional levies on printed reading materials has triggered a crisis in Sri Lanka's literary sector, forcing up to 60 per cent of authors and 40 per cent of publishing houses out of the industry over the last three years.
The Sri Lanka Book Publishers’ Association, during a media briefing today, revealed that the tax regime introduced in January 2023 has caused book prices to soar, resulting in a dramatic slump in retail sales.
Board Member Gamini Moragoda highlighted that approximately 95 per cent of nations globally, including all Asian countries, refrain from taxing printed books.
He said that taxation on reading materials was unprecedented in Sri Lanka prior to recent policy changes, placing an unfair financial strain on families already grappling with elevated living costs.
He noted that the industry has repeatedly engaged government ministers and presented petitions signed by thousands of exhibition visitors, offering to prove through official figures that removing the levy would not cause a substantial deficit in state revenue.
The association warned that retaining the fiscal measures for another decade would permanently dismantle the domestic publishing framework and discourage future generations of writers.
Industry leaders reiterated that eliminating VAT on printed literature is essential to lower market prices, protect domestic heritage, and preserve reading culture across Sri Lanka.
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