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Curtains for well-known TVshows

By Nadia Fazlulhaq

The imposition of a tax on imported television programmes and international advertisements may force operators to pull out some of their well-known programmes on all TV channels.

Under the Finance Act 11 of 2006 the Government introduced a tax on imported teledramas, films and commercials which would be Rs. 90,000 for every 30 minutes of any imported teledrama/film dubbed in Sinhala/Tamil or Rs. 75,000 for every 30 minutes of an imported tele-drama/film not dubbed.

“According to the Act, all imported teledramas, films and commercials are subject to a certificate of clearance from the Media and Information Ministry after paying the levy,” said Media and Information Ministry Secretary W.B. Ganegala.

Commenting on the decision to levy the tax, some TV station heads said this levy had been implemented without prior discussion.

“A movie will be telecast for 3 to 4 hours. It is impossible to pay Rs.300,000 only as tax for it. That itself has a large impact on our cash flow. It will result in us having to acquire a big amount from our sponsors. This will indirectly affect the consumers, the public,” one of them said.
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