Some of the key highlights of the revised 2006 budget

Some of the key highlights of the revised budget for 2006: Some of the key highlights of the revised budget for 2006: • The budget deficit for 2006 was estimated at Rs.
197 billion, up from Rs. 168 billion this year.

• The deficit was equivalent to 7.
1 percent of GDP (minus tsunami related costs) both this year and in the next.

• Value Added Tax (VAT) on financial services to be raised from 15-20%

• A 50% increase in liquor licencese netting an extra Rs. 400 million.

• Higher excise duties on cigarettes and alcohol to bring in an additional Rs.
4.3 billion

• Casinos, have been asked to quit Colombo in three-years, and shift into the 40 percent tax bracket

• Concessionary tax on quoted companies restricted to five-years after listing

• Sales tax of 15 percent on motorcycles removed

• Fertiliser prices will keep to the proposed Rs. 350 price tag for a 50 kg bag.