Srilanka, July 4 -- A dedicated VAT refund facility for tourists was officially launched today (04) at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) by Minister of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development Sunil Handunneththi and Minister of Labour and Deputy Finance Minister Anil Jayantha.

This new service, established by the Inland Revenue Department, allows eligible foreign tourists to claim back the Value Added Tax (VAT) paid on purchases made during their stay in Sri Lanka. The initiative stems from a policy proposal submitted to the President on March 14, 2025, by officials of the Gem and Jewellery Authority and the Ministry of Industries.Sri Lankan handicrafts

To qualify for a refund, tourists must have spent over 90 days in Sr...