VAT REFUND COUNTER OPENS AT BIA FOR TOURISTS

The Department of Inland Revenue yesterday (4) opened a Value Added Tax (VAT) refund counter at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) for tourists.

The facility was inaugurated by Minister of Industry and Enterprise Development Sunil Handunnetti and Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development Anil Jayantha Fernando.

This initiative proceeds under the policy approval received on March 14, 2025, following a proposal submitted to the President by officials from the Gem and Jewellery Authority and the Ministry of Industry.

Tourists who stay in Sri Lanka for less than 90 days and have paid over Rs.50,000 in VAT on their purchases are eligible for a refund at this counter.

The service aims to encourage tourists to purchase Sri Lankan products and streamline the country's tax collection process.