After imposing heavy taxes on Maldive fish, Sri Lanka says the Maldives there is no ban on imports

Following discussions with Sri Lanka's Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, Fisheries Minister Douglas Devananda and State Minister of Finance Ajith Nivard Cabraal, Maldivian Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid said that there would be no restrictions in importing fish and fish products from the Maldives to Lanka.

However, Sri Lanka recently imposed a heavy tax of Rs. 302 on a kilogramme of imported Maldive fish saying it would encourage local producers. The previous tax was Rs. 102 and it was increased by Rs. 200 since this month. 

Import taxes on fish and dried fish also have been increased.

The Maldivian fisheries industry has been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, with several major exporters reporting lower sales. The majority of Maldives' export revenue is sourced from exports of fish products, with raw fish shipments accounting for as much as 70 per cent.

(Photo from The Edition)