Opposition Leader MP Sajith Premadsa has criticized the recent Cabinet decisions on Value-Added Tax (VAT) and electricity tariff revision.
MP Premadasa has expressed displeasure on the government’s decision to increase the Value-Added Tax (VAT) to 18% from January 2024 and the revision of electricity tariffs every 3 months.
MP Premadasa pointed out that raising VAT is a regressive tax increase that burdens the common people, especially the poor and the working class.
Accusing the government of weak governance and mismanagement of tax revenue, the MP suggested that the government should focus on improving tax administration and targeting tax evasion rather than imposing higher taxes on the public.
He further questioned the legitimacy of such decisions and called for an immediate election to allow the people to have a say in these matters.
MP Premadasa also criticizes the government for presenting false data to justify more frequent electricity tariff revisions, which he says is burdensome and an unjust act against the people.
The MP is of the view that these decisions lack public support and should be considered anti-people. (NewsWire)