Govt. saved country from pressure by Intl Community: Harsha

2 June 2016 04:50 pm - 5 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Though the 4 per cent increase in VAT has been severely criticised, the main object of the government’s tax system was to increase direct taxes and reduce indirect taxes, Foreign Affairs Deputy Minister Harsha De Silva said today.

He said it was not the government’s policy to continue with tax increases for longer than necessary.

Dr. De Silva said direct taxation amounted to 20 per cent and indirect taxation to 80 per cent and the government was planning to increase direct taxation up to 40 per cent by reducing the latter to 60 per cent.

“The government admits that the VAT increase has affected the people. Before the increase, the government reduced the price of essential items and salaries were increased,” the minister said.

Meanwhile, he said the previous government had failed to prevent the country from being affected by the influence of the international community.

“If the country is not protected from the adverse pressure by the international community, the people would have been subjected to economic sanctions and even starvation without food and medicine. The present government was able to rescue the country on the nick of time and restore the status quo with the international community through negotiations,” Dr. de Silva said. (Chaturanga Pradeep)

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Comments - 5

7Stars Thursday, 02 June 2016 05:31 PM

lol .. I really wonder who is applying pressure now via DM Android App

sathees Thursday, 02 June 2016 07:20 PM

I have a good reputation on you Dr. Harsha, But let's cut the MP expenses first. The common man may not understand why there was a permit to import duty free vehicle and then one to lease at the cost of public expenses. Duty free permits to sell at 22 odd million and then get a vehicle at the gov cost. How many citizen understand this scam. Ravi should go! end of the story.

citizens Thursday, 02 June 2016 08:34 PM

the country is now been influenced by foreign powers even more via DM Android App

Sharon Thursday, 02 June 2016 09:13 PM

Joking via DM iOS App

AZAM Thursday, 02 June 2016 09:47 PM

DR harsha please dont give cock and a bull storyeven thou without a warcost of living is flying highwhy yahapalana government being puppet to shit Indians via DM iOS App

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Govt. saved country from pressure by Intl Community: Harsha

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