Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera says that the proposed 18 percent value added tax (VAT) increase will not apply to diesel and kerosene.

However, the minister said that the final decision on the proposed VAT increase will be taken on December 10 this year.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Power and Energy Mr. Kanchana Wijesekera announced in Parliament today that the construction of Sri Lanka's second oil refinery in the Hambantota area will begin next month.

The Minister mentioned that the cabinet sub-committee has already given approval for this project and hopes to get approval from the cabinet next week.

Furthermore, within a year, solar panels will be provided to all 27,000 religious shrines, universities, schools, regional and district secretariats in Sri Lanka, the minister added.
(colombotimes.lk)