Business
‘VAT surge threatens Sri Lanka’s housing and foreign investments’
By Rohan Parikh
In the intricate case of Sri Lanka’s economic rejuvenation, the recent surge in the Value Added Tax (VAT) to 18 percent, coupled with the removal of certain industries from the exemptions list, has emerged as a focal point for concern among foreign investors assessing the country’s economic climate.
This shift, occurring within the context of an already sophisticated taxation structure, presents multifaceted challenges that, if left unaddressed, could potentially impede the nation’s growth trajectory, particularly within the critical housing development sector.
Investments in housing development surpass the realm of mere financial transactions; they are integral components of economic growth and societal development. The recent VAT hike, however, casts a shadow over the sector, raising the cost of projects and thereby creating formidable barriers for middle-class and first-time homebuyers.
This potential restriction threatens to stifle the housing sector’s innate ability to serve as a driver of economic stability.
The housing sector’s influence extends beyond bricks and mortar, reaching into the heart of local employment and manufacturing industries. This phenomenon, often referred to as the ripple effect, manifests when increased housing demand generates a surge in business for local manufacturers, including those producing doors, windows, pipes, wires, and other construction materials.
Consequently, this heightened demand directly stimulates job creation in these manufacturing sectors.
However, the introduction of the new VAT regime introduces an element of risk to this interconnected economic ecosystem. While the heightened VAT aims to augment the state’s revenue pool, there is a potential downside—deterrence for both local and foreign investors.
Investors, whether domestic or international, seek clarity, consistency, and predictability in tax regimes. The added burden of increased VAT may well tip the scales against investments that are crucial for sustaining economic growth.
In this intricate web of economic interactions, the call for relief or adjustments to the current taxation model becomes ever more urgent. Such measures are necessary to safeguard the housing sector and acknowledge its far-reaching impact on the broader economy.
Beyond attracting investments, a more balanced tax strategy has the potential to stimulate job creation, making housing more affordable for the middle-class and first-time buyers, who are the bedrock of societal stability.
The delicate balancing act between managing state revenue and propelling economic growth necessitates careful planning and consideration. The government, in navigating this complex terrain, holds a unique opportunity to transform challenges into opportunities, nurturing the housing sector while simultaneously fortifying state reserves.
A thriving housing sector will undoubtedly have a ripple effect, creating jobs and driving demand for local industries, contributing to a resilient and self-sufficient economy. The Sri Lankan Government’s response to the VAT hike should prioritise foresight and prudence, facilitating relief or adjustments to fortify the housing sector’s crucial role in economic growth. A nuanced tax strategy is essential, not just for attracting foreign investments, but for ensuring accessibility to housing, fostering a sustainable and inclusive economic future for Sri Lanka.
(The writer is an international investor with experience in the South Asian real-estate market, and is also the Chairperson of Iconic Developments)
The Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Sri Lanka (AHK Sri Lanka) proudly facilitated the first-ever Sri Lankan delegation’s participation at Drupa 2024, the world’s largest trade fair for the printing industry and technology. Held after an eight-year hiatus, Drupa 2024 was a landmark event, marking significant advancements and opportunities in the global printing industry.
AHK Sri Lanka played a pivotal role in organising and supporting the delegation, which comprised 17 members from the Sri Lanka Association for Printers (SLAP), representing eight companies from the commercial, newspaper, stationery printing, and packaging industries. This pioneering effort by AHK Sri Lanka not only showcased the diverse capabilities of Sri Lanka’s printing sector but also facilitated vital bilateral discussions with key stakeholders from the German printing industry.
Business
Unveiling Ayugiri: Browns Hotels & Resorts sets the stage for a new era in luxury Ayurveda Wellness
In a captivating reimagining of luxury wellness tourism, Browns Hotels & Resorts proudly unveiled the exquisite Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort Sigiriya. This momentous occasion, celebrated amidst a vibrant and serene grand opening on the 6th of June, heralds a new chapter in the Ayurveda wellness tourism landscape in Sri Lanka. Nestled amidst 54 acres of unspoiled natural splendour, Ayugiri features 22 exclusive suites and stands out as the only luxury Ayurveda wellness resort in the country offering plunge pools in every room, rendering it truly one-of-a-kind.
The grand opening of Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort was an enchanting event, where guests were captivated by the melodies of flutists and violinists resonating through Sigiriya’s lush landscapes. As traditional drummers and dancers infused the air with vibrant energy, Browns Hotels & Resorts’ CEO, Eksath Wijeratne, Kotaro Katsuki, Acting Ambassador for the Embassy of Japan and General Manager, Buwaneka Bandara, unveiled the resort’s new logo, marking a significant moment witnessed by distinguished guests from the French Embassy, Ayurveda and wellness enthusiasts along with officials from the Sigiriya area, LOLC Holdings and Browns Group.
“Our strategic expansion into wellness tourism with Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort Sigiriya symbolises a significant milestone for Browns Hotels & Resorts. Wellness tourism has consistently outperformed the overall tourism industry for over a decade, reflecting a growing global interest in travel that goes beyond leisure to offer rejuvenation and holistic well-being. By integrating the timeless wisdom of Ayurveda with modern luxury, we aim to set a new standard in luxury wellness tourism in Sri Lanka. Whether your goal is prevention, healing, or a deeper connection to inner harmony, Ayugiri offers a sanctuary for holistic well-being” stated Eksath Wijeratne.
Ayugiri encapsulates the essence of life, inspired by the lotus flower held by the graceful queens of the infamous Sigiriya frescoes. Just as the lotus emerges from the murky depths, untainted and serene,
Ayugiri invites guests on a journey of purity and rejuvenation, harmonised with a balance of mind, body and spirit, the essence of nature, echoes of culture and the wisdom of ancient Ayurvedic healing.
HNB General Insurance, one of Sri Lanka’s leading general insurance providers, has been honored as the Best General Bancassurance Provider in Sri Lanka 2024 by the prestigious Global Banking and Finance Review – UK.
The esteemed accolade underscores HNB General Insurance’s unwavering commitment to excellence and its outstanding performance in the field of bancassurance. Through dedication and hard work, the HNB General Insurance team has continuously endeavored to deliver innovative insurance solutions, cultivate strong relationships with banking partners, and provide unparalleled service to customers nationwide. This recognition is a testament to the team’s dedication and relentless pursuit of excellence in the bancassurance business.
“We are honored to receive this prestigious award, which reflects our team’s tireless efforts and dedication to delivering value-added insurance solutions and exceptional service through our bancassurance partnerships,” said Sithumina Jayasundara, CEO of HNB General Insurance. “This recognition reaffirms our position as a trusted insurance provider in Sri Lanka and motivates us to continue striving for excellence in serving our customers and communities.”
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