Colombo, Dec. 30 -- The Cabinet approval has been granted for the proposal to grant tax relief on imported dates intended for free distribution during the Ramadan fasting festival.

Dates, which are traditionally consumed by Muslims during the month of Ramadan, are annually received as donations or gifts from diplomatic missions, organizations and individuals for distribution among the Muslim community. Such imports are made on a non-foreign exchange basis.

This year, the Ramadan fasting period is scheduled to commence on February 19, 2026, and conclude on March 21, 2026.

Accordingly, Cabinet approval was granted for the proposal submitted by the Minister of Buddhism, Religious and Cultural Affairs to provide tax concessions on dates im...