The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) expressed concern over imposing more and more taxes on essential commodity items at this moment when people are facing economic hardships, and suggested that to ease this financial situation Government should first take steps to acquire the billions of local funds that are lying in financial institutions in foreign countries.
SJB leader Sajith Premadasa made these remarks at the SJB organized “Sakwala” educational programme held at Buthpitiya Maha Vidyalaya, Gampaha. The Opposition Leader distributed rupees one million worth IT equipment to schoolchildren during the session. Quoting a statement made by Justice Minister Wijayadasa Rajapaksa, Opposition Leader Premadasa said billions of our own local funds in dollars are still lying in foreign banks and financial institutions and if the Government takes steps, that money could be easily brought back to our country. “If so, the Government does not need to impose taxes on essential commodity items over and over again as the said funds could be utilized to increase the country’s financial needs and fulfil the State requirements,“ he said .
He further reminded the Government that majority people in the country are still facing immense difficulties due to the escalating prices of food items and service charges and this situation will lead to even family disputes.
He also mentioned about the country’s unbearable cost of living due to the price increase of essential food items including milk powder, rice, sugar, dhal, wheat flour and other items such as gas, diesel, kerosene oil and petrol especially after the VAT issue.
Ananda Kannangara