The President delivering the Policy Statement in Parliament a short while ago said that in comparison to other countries, Sri Lanka’s direct tax is low and called for the correction of this tax divergence and though inflation may rise during the economic crisis, he called on the people to endure for a few more months for a better future
“Introducing new tax policies is a politically unpopular decision. Remember, I’m not here to be popular. I want to rebuild this nation from the crisis situation it has fallen. Yes, I’m ready to make unpopular decisions for the sake of the nation. People will realize the importance of those decisions in two to three years,” President Ranil Wickremesinghe
President Ranil Wickremesinghe presenting his government’s policy statement said that taxes were not imposed willingly, but even reluctantly, the right policy should be implemented. “If PAYE tax is abolished, the country will lose Rs. 100 billion. If the tax limit is raised to Rs. 200,000, the economy will lose Rs. 63 billion. The total amount that will be lost is Rs. 163 billion. We are presently not in a position to lose this income,” he said
Delivering the Government’s Policy Statement in Parliament today, President Ranil Wickremesinghe said that it is required to ensure proper collection of taxes from those directly liable to pay, to reduce the burden on the general public.
“Sri Lanka’s economy today is severely damaged. Its malaise needs to be immediately diagnosed and treated accordingly. However, people are pointing to the mistakes made by those in-charge and are urging them to be punished first. However, I try to cure the malady first, after which we can take further measures. We should prioritize curing the ailment, which is what I am doing,” the President said in Parliament.
