Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa says senior citizens have been forced into a helpless situation due to the recent cuts in interest on senior citizen accounts, which he pointed out was their only source of income.
Addressing the Parliament today, MP Premadasa said that the government should pay special attention to solving the basic problems of senior citizens who are unable to access medical facilities and nutritious food, as a result.
Questioning whether the budget would increase the withholding tax rate on the deposits of senior citizens, he said that it was necessary to know the limits on the withholding tax imposed.
MP Premadasa further questioned if there was a method for senior citizens to recover the withholding taxes collected.
The Opposition Leader also requested that a simpler method be adopted as this method will leave senior citizens with low literacy levels helpless.
He pointed out that the previous Yahapalana government provided 15% interest for senior citizens, but the previous government cancelled it.
The Opposition Leader said this 15% deposit interest rate should be implemented at least for deposits of less than Rs. 02 million and a concessional scheme should be prepared for purchasing medicines through state pharmacies.
“The current fixed interest rate is 7.5% and the government has proposed to provide an additional 3%, which should be 15%. Tax efficiency should be increased not by increasing taxes levied, but from those who do not pay taxes and through efficient methods. The government should pay attention to this,” he added.
Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa made the remarks while questioning the government under Article 27(2) regarding the accounts of senior citizens. (Newswire)