The Sri Lanka Publishers Association says that between 50% and 60% of authors have moved into other occupations over the past three years due to taxes imposed on printed books.
The association also stated that around 40% of book publishing companies have left the industry during the same period.
According to the association, the introduction of Value Added Tax (VAT) and the Social Security Contribution Levy on printed books in 2023 led to higher book prices and a decline in sales, contributing to the current situation.
The association claims that around 95% of countries worldwide, as well as all countries in Asia, do not impose taxes on printed books.
Director Board member of the Sri Lanka Publishers Association, Gamini Moragoda, has urged the authorities to urgently remove VAT and other taxes imposed on printed books.
He warned that if the taxes continue for an extended period, Sri Lanka’s writing and reading culture could face serious consequences.
Moragoda also said that the association has held discussions with government authorities on several occasions and submitted a petition signed by participants at the recent book exhibition calling for the removal of the tax on reading books.
