The recently revised cess rates will be reconsidered if it has an impact on school stationary and equipment, State Minister of Finance Ranjith Siyambalapitiya said today (18).

He made the observation while delivering a special statement in Parliament today.

“Statements were made claiming that there was an increase in the price of school stationery and equipment. We have commenced inquiries in this regard. We intend to change the rates if in some way it has affected the basic equipment necessary for school children,” State Minister Siyambalapitiya said.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe had amended CESS rates on several goods through a Government Notification with effect from 15th November.

At the time, State Minister of Finance Ranjith Siyambalapitiya said that revising the CESS rates will not affect the prices of essential goods.