The Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) has reduced its Entertainment Tax, including cutting the tax on local concerts from 12% to 7%, in a move aimed at supporting Sri Lanka's creative industry while making entertainment more accessible to the public.

Colombo Mayor Vraie Cally Balthazaar announced that the proposal, which was approved through the CMC's 2026 Budget, has now come into effect following the issuance of the relevant Gazette notification.

According to the Mayor, the revised tax rates apply across all entertainment tax categories.

She said the reduction in the tax on local concerts is intended to provide greater support to Sri Lanka's artists and the local 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, making concerts and other entertainment events more affordable.

Balthazaar said the initiative was introduced in response to requests from the public to create more opportunities for people in Colombo to enjoy entertainment, culture and sport.

She added that a vibrant city is built not only through infrastructure, but also through music, theatre, sport and shared cultural experiences, expressing hope that the tax reduction would help make Colombo a city where more people can enjoy such activities.