New measures to reduce device prices and regulate second-hand electronics

NEW REGISTRATION PROCESS AIMED AT CURTAILING INFORMAL “GREY MARKET” DIGITAL ECONOMY DEPUTY MINISTER WEERARATNE DEFENDS CURRENT HIGH TAXATION ON DEVISES AS ANECESSARY MEASURE TO FUND GOVERNMENT'S SIGNIFICANT INVESTMENTS IN DIGITAL INFRASTRUCTURE HOWEVER, WEERARATNE SIGNALS THAT RELIEF MEASURES ARE UNDER CONSIDERATION

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Sri Lanka is planning a multi-pronged strategy to address the high cost of digital devices by exploring the targeted subsidies and affordable payment schemes, while simultaneously moving to formalise the secondhand market through a new registration process, aimed at curtailing the informal “grey market”.

Responding to concerns over high taxes that place smartphones and computers out of reach for many citizens, Digital Economy Deputy Minister Eranga Weeraratne acknowledged the issue but defended taxation as a necessary measure to fund the government's significant investments in digital infrastructure.