It has been revealed that cabinet approval is essential, and will be sought, to abolish the entertainment levy imposed in accordance with archaic entertainment tax ordinance.

A cabinet memorandum will also be presented soon giving prominence to the entertainment sector including cinemas for its consideration as a formal industry while scrapping the entertainment levy on the directions of President Ranil Wickremesinghe, they disclosed.

This would include entertainment taxes on hotel events and open-air shows.The aim is to transform the National Film Corporation into a film and tele-drama industry development company by leveraging modern technology to provide state assistance to boost local cinema attracting foreign direct investments, a senior official of the ministry said