A new VAT refund counter for tourists was declared open today (July 4, 2025) at the Bandaranaike International Airport by Minister of Industries and Enterprise Development Sunil Handunnetti and Deputy Minister of Finance and Labour Anil Jayanta.
This initiative has been implemented under a policy approval submitted to the President on March 14, 2025, by the National Gem and Jewellery Authority and the Ministry of Industries.
The service aims to encourage tourists to purchase locally made products and streamline VAT collection. Officials from the Gem and Jewellery Authority, the Department of Inland Revenue, and other relevant departments participated in the event.
Any tourist over 18 years of age, with a stay of less than 90 days and a purchase which is above Rs. 50,000 (excluding VAT), is entitled to claim the VAT refund.
