Srilanka, Jan. 31 -- Sri Lanka's construction and building sectors are reeling from the imposition of steep taxes on imported tiles and sanitary ware, and its quality certified by the Sri Lanka Standards Institute (SLSI) inspection scheme. Current Tax measures have triggered significant price hikes, impacting everyone from large-scale developers to ordinary families aspiring to build their homes or buildings.

The cascading effects are felt across the economy, slowing tourism infrastructure projects and burdening consumers with soaring costs.

A market at risk

Customs data underscores the importance of imports in the tile and sanitary-ware market. Local manufacturers supply only 45% of the tile market, leaving 55% reliant on imports. ...