Patali Champika Ranawaka, leader of the United Republic Front and Member of Parliament, denounced the government's decision to raise Value Added Tax (VAT) from 15% to 18%. He accused the administration of misleading Parliament and forcing through the increase disregarding public opinion.
"The government's actions display a shocking lack of discipline and decency," Ranawaka declared. "They misled Parliament and manipulated the process to force through this unfair and burdensome tax hike."
Ranawaka further criticized the government's ambitious target of collecting 6.5% of the gross domestic product by 2025, calling it unrealistic and unsustainable.
He argued that it would place an undue burden on the population, particularly children and the elderly, who are expected to shoulder a tax burden exceeding 100,000 rupees over three years.
"Instead of squeezing every last rupee out of ordinary citizens, the government should focus on tackling the issue of uncollected taxes," Ranawaka demanded.
He cited glaring examples, such as the CPC's uncollected taxes of Rs. 88 billion and the combined profit of Rs. 303 billion from 52 government institutions that are not paying their fair share.
Furthermore, Ranawaka highlighted the case of a liquor manufacturing company that continues to operate despite its failure to pay taxes.
Over 100 hospitals are facing closure, and the country is losing over US0 million due to educational migration to Australia.
"There are alternative solutions," Ranawaka asserted. "The government can achieve its desired tax revenue by cutting unnecessary expenses and restructuring local debt in a way that minimizes the impact on ordinary citizens."