The government has decided to extend the special commodity levy of Rs. 50 per kilogram on imported sugar until December 31, 2024. This levy, which was originally set to expire on November 1, has been continued through a Gazette notification issued by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in his role as Minister of Finance.

The tax was initially implemented on November 1, 2023, in an effort to stabilize local market prices amidst fluctuations in the global sugar trade.

Former minister Manusha Nanayakkara has criticized the government’s decision to retain the levy on imported sugar, despite prior promises to reduce taxes on essential food items. He pointed out that the administration’s actions contradict its earlier commitments to ease the tax burden on consumers.