Media Coverage on Tax Free Periods: Call for the Removal of Taxes on Menstrual Products

Putting the period on ‘taxing’ the period

The imposition of taxes on menstrual hygiene products, needed by women and girls due to a biological process naturally occurring in their body, has been subjected to fair criticism from many parties. While there have been great demands for the Government to remove the taxes imposed on menstrual products and the raw materials needed to manufacture such, such items are currently subjected to a tax rate of 51.07%, and it continues to restrict the access of those menstruating to sanitary products.
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Half number of girls, women do not include sanitary napkins in household expenditures

Due to the affordability of sanitary napkins half the number of girls and women in Sri Lanka do not include sanitary napkins in their household expenditures, the Advocata Institute said. They said the affordability of sanitary napkins and its significant impact on the welfare of girls and women in Sri Lanka has become more pronounced in recent years. This is particularly evident due to the decline in their purchasing powers stemming from the Covid-19 pandemic and the economic crisis. .

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Media Coverage on A Deep Dive into the Market Competitiveness of Ceylon Tea

Advocata Institute unveils insights on enhancing market competitiveness of Ceylon tea

Advocata Institute Research Consultant Sudaraka Ariyarathna shed light on the discrepancy between recommended replanting rate and the actual rate, mentioning that “while the recommended replanting rate stands at 2.5%, our research indicates a significantly lower actual rate,” highlighting the impact on Sri Lanka’s tea production yields compared to other black tea producing nations. This was the opening to “A deep dive into the market competitiveness of Ceylon tea” organised by Advocata Institute which was on 29 February.
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Importance of strengthening estate workers’ economy stressed

The challenges encountered by the upcountry Tamil community is beyond mere daily wages, said Minister of Water Supply and Estate Infrastructure Development, Jeevan Thondaman.

He was speaking at a discussion on “A Deep Dive into the market competitiveness of Ceylon Tea” organised by Advocata Institute at the BMICH on Thursday.

He stressed the importance of enhancing their quality of life by addressing various facets such as housing, land, education, health, and infrastructure.

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ADVOCATA INSTITUTE

Unveils Insights on Enhancing Market Competitiveness of Ceylon Tea

The Ceylon tea industry faces significant challenges which threaten its competitiveness and sustainability in the global market. High labour costs, labour shortages, and inefficiencies in land management are hindering productivity and profitability, while issues pertaining to quality control and the lack of a premiumisation strategy posse further obstacles to unlocking the true potential of Ceylon tea.

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Optimism over securing EU protection for Ceylon Tea

Sri Lanka expressed optimism about securing European Union(EU) protection for Ceylon tea within the next 12-18 months.

Chairman of the Tea Board, Niraj De Mel, emphasised the need to prioritise quality over volume, advocating for a return to basics to improve prices.

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