Sri Lanka's Cabinet has approved a report following repeated requests from local farmers to increase import taxes on selected vegetables.
According to internal sources, the report was prepared by the Food Security Committee, which assessed the effect of imported potatoes, red onions, and big onions on domestic production. Farmers have consistently called for higher tariffs, arguing that they face difficulties competing with low-cost imports.
Reports indicate that if the revised tariffs are implemented, an official announcement could be made as early as 26 August.
At present, the duty on imported potatoes stands at Rs 20 (US$0.067) per kilo, Rs 50 (US$0.17) per kilo for red onions, and Rs 10 (US$0.034) per kilo for big onions.
Source: Hiru News
