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Phone charges to rise due to VAT

30 April 2016 07:41 am - 10     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Phone call charges will increase because of the removal of the exemption of Value Added Tax (VAT) from the telecommunication services, Minister of Digital Technology Harin Fernando said yesterday.

Minister Fernando told a media briefing that call charges could go high as a result of the recent decision to remove the exemption VAT but concessionary packages including data packages and new technology will be introduced in the future so that the burden the people will have to bear will be reduced.

“We will introduce concessionary data packages through which call charges could be reduced. One could browse internet using data service such as “WhatsApp” but the Government will see to it that more such modern technology will be available so that even call charges can be reduced as well,” he said. He said the “Google loon” will help reduce the cost of telecommunication services as well,” the Minister added.

Also, the Minister said plans are afoot to provide Smart phones to the recipients of EPF at a concessionary rate of Rs 500 and for the Samurdhi recipients at Rs 100.

“Smart phones will be provided at a concessionary rate as lost cost new technology could be made use of only through such phones,” he said.

“The Government does not want to increase telecommunication charges but it is compelled to do so because of the current economic situation,” Mr. Fernando added.

Meanwhile, the Minister threw a challenge at the joint opposition asking the organisers of that party to show a large crowd at its May Day rally in Kirulapone.

“Joint Opposition will not be able to draw crowds despite the emergence of ‘supermen’ such as former Minister Basil Rajapaksa, who is expected to participate in the rally,” he said. (Yohan Perera)

 

Video by Janaka and Danushka


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  Comments - 10

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  • mm Friday, 29 April 2016 08:58 PM

    talking rubbish via DM iOS App

    raju Sunday, 01 May 2016 05:58 AM

    Reduce the number of ministers, ministries, and departments and corporations and there will be no need for vat. As always to divert attention you'll talk about joint opposition..your another useless fellow....waste of a vote

    Sonali Sunday, 01 May 2016 06:05 AM

    I'm totally lost. He says phone charges will go up due to an increase in VAT. Then he says the charges "could" be reduced by browsing the net with "WhatsApp". What has browsing got to do with call charges? This guy should be managing waste disposal.

    Dhana Sunday, 01 May 2016 07:15 AM

    Proceed with VAT but in the billing program arrange removal of VAT from those whose bill value is below Rs 500 so as to help poor people. Minister`s suggestions do not relieve poor.

    Sharon Sunday, 01 May 2016 08:04 AM

    More entertainment from Yamapalakas via DM iOS App

    TIM Sunday, 01 May 2016 08:45 AM

    YES YOU ARE RIGHT. WE MUST USE SMART PHONE TECHNOLOGY TO MAKE LOCAL CALLS JUST AS WE DO FOR INTENTIONAL CALLS. PLEASE TELL US HOW TO APPLY THIS 500 RUPEE PER MONTH SMART PHONE?

    ANTON Sunday, 01 May 2016 10:33 AM

    IS THAT APPLICABLE TO POLITICIANS ALSO ???

    mohan Sunday, 01 May 2016 10:33 AM

    why? Do you want live Unclean city ? waste management need lot of skill , otherwise whole city become rubbish dump

    Onlooker Sunday, 01 May 2016 10:59 AM

    Do not be a joker, you are trying to eye wash the ordinary masses.

    Reader Monday, 02 May 2016 03:21 PM

    Exempt poor people from VAT by fixing a value limit below which to be free.Otherwise very unfair to the poor.


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