CMC cuts entertainment taxes; new Gazette issued

The Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) has gazetted revised entertainment tax rates, reducing taxes across cinemas, sports competitions, concerts and several other entertainment categories. The new rates were approved under the CMC’s 2026 Budget and have now come into effect following the publication of the relevant Gazette notification. Among the key changes, the entertainment tax on concerts featuring local artists has been reduced to 7%, while concerts featuring foreign artists will be subject to a 10% tax. Cinema tickets will attract a 7% entertainment tax, while local sports competitions will be taxed at 7%. Colombo Mayor Vraie Cally Balthazaar said the initiative was introduced to create more opportunities for the public to enjoy entertainment, culture and sport, while also supporting Sri Lanka’s creative industry. The Mayor also called on event organisers to pass on the benefits of the tax reduction to the public by lowering ticket prices wherever possible. “We hope this benefit doesn’t stop with the industry, but reaches the people too,” the Mayor said, adding that making entertainment more affordable would help build a more vibrant city through music, theatre, sport and shared cultural experiences. (Newswire)