Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) National Organiser and Member of Parliament Namal Rajapaksa stated that although promises were made before assuming power to remove the Value Added Tax (VAT) imposed on school supplies, healthcare services and essential food items, the present government has still been unable to fulfil them.

He made these remarks during a discussion held at Parliament today (05) alongside Members of Parliament D. V. Chanaka and Chanaka Madugoda.

Key Points
  • Claims that promises to remove VAT on school supplies, healthcare and food have not been fulfilled.
  • States the government has taken no successful steps to control the cost of living and that inflation has exceeded 8%.
  • Accuses the government of imposing taxes on bank interest, vehicles, IT and consultancy services instead of keeping promises.

Cost of Living and New Taxes

The MP noted that the government has not implemented any successful programme to control the public's cost of living, reduce educational expenses for children, or strengthen the household economy. He also pointed out that inflation has exceeded 8% and is continuing to rise this month as well.

Namal Rajapaksa further alleged that although the President claimed taxes were not increased during his tenure, new taxes have been imposed on people's bank interest, vehicles, as well as Information Technology (IT) and consultancy services, instead of removing VAT as promised.

“To this day, during this period, the government has not implemented any successful programme to control the cost of living of the people in this country, to bring the cost of living to a manageable level, to reduce at least somewhat the expenses on school children's education, or to strengthen the household economy. Inflation has exceeded 8%. It continues to rise during this month as well.”

Namal Rajapaksa
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