Sri Lanka, Feb. 21 -- In a recent government notification, an increase in the special commodity levy has been announced for several essential food items, including black grams, green grams, cowpeas, and others. The notification, issued by President Ranil Wickremesinghe in his capacity as the Finance Minister, aims to address economic challenges and promote local production.

The special commodity levy on black grams has been raised to Rs. 300 per kilogram. Similarly, the tax on green grams, cowpeas, Kurakkan (seeds & other varieties), and millet (seeds & other varieties) has been increased from Rs. 70 to Rs. 300 per kilogram. Additionally, a special commodity levy of Rs. 25 per kilogram has been imposed on maize.

This revised levy struct...