Sri Lanka has announced plans to curb the import of cut and processed tendu leaves, signaling a commitment to address issues within the beedi industry.
A statement released by the Department of Government Information highlighted the decision, which stems from a meeting held at the Presidential Secretariat on Thursday (04).
The meeting, attended by key figures such as State Minister for Finance Ranjith Siyambalapitiya, State Minister for Technology Kanaka Herath, and Chief of Presidential Staff Sagala Ratnayaka, brought together officials from pertinent line agencies. The primary focus was on addressing concerns related to the beedi industry, particularly issues arising from the importation of raw materials, including tendu leaves used as cigarette wrappers.
The statement revealed that a consensus was reached on implementing an annual registration process for importers and beedi manufacturing establishments. Additionally, discussions were conducted on revising the registration fee to ensure better oversight.
Notably, there was an emphasis on the necessity to revise the tax policy concerning the importation of crucial raw materials for the beedi industry, with an agreement to restructure it through formal channels.
