MR on VAT: Milking the sick

19 September 2016 04:20 pm - 33 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, who expressed his opposition to the Valued Added Tax (Amendment) Bill, urged the Government to reconsider its proposals at least at this stage.

Issuing a statement, he said the VAT on goods and services would increase from 11% to 15% and cause hardship to consumers if the Bill were to be enacted.

“This increased VAT is to be imposed even on private medical care, which had always been exempt from VAT,” he said.

“This imposition will cause an immediate 15% increase in private medical costs. For example, a by-pass surgery that presently costs about Rs.700,000 would in future cost Rs.805,000. Many ordinary people make use of private medical services today. This tax attempts to raise revenue through sickness and suffering. The more serious the illness, the more money the Government would be squeezing from the hapless patient,” he said.

“The increased VAT is to be imposed on the small and medium wholesale and retail trade as well. My Government charged VAT only on wholesale and retail establishments with a turnover of around

Rs. 2,800,000 per day, which ensured that the tax applied only to the largest up-market retail businesses enjoying economies of scale. However, by slashing the threshold to just Rs. 138,000 a day, the Yahapalanaya Government has brought all wholesale establishments, and a good number of retail establishments within the ambit of VAT.

“This will cause a rapid escalation in prices throughout the country and in a short time, bring about a reduction in consumer demand. Previous Governments never imposed VAT on the small and medium wholesale and retail trade because of the negative impact it will inevitably have on the economy.

“Commodity prices have been declining all over the world but in Sri Lanka the prices of goods and services will be going up because of these tax hikes imposed to finance the various concessions that the Yahapalanaya Government gave out to win elections.

“Thus the people themselves are being forced to bear the cost of the deception that was practiced on them. We can in no way agree to the increase in the VAT rate, it is unconscionable imposition on the sick and the elderly, and its imposition on the small and medium wholesale and retail trade without any concern for the all round price increases that it will cause. There is still time for the government to amend these oppressive VAT proposals,” he said.

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Comments - 33

Avithsenna Tuesday, 20 September 2016 06:30 AM

Where is that Rt.Hon opposition leader who should speak on behalf of the nation. via DM Android App

Bala Monday, 19 September 2016 06:19 PM

He milked not only the sick but every citizen now and to be born. What humbug hypocrite you are - crocodile tears.

Human Monday, 19 September 2016 06:20 PM

Awesome responses. At least now MR will know that he cannot fool the people all the time.

Suraj Monday, 19 September 2016 06:53 PM

Every 5 Year “Compromise is a stalling between two fools.”

karthi Monday, 19 September 2016 06:59 PM

MR's vies on private medical expenses due to Increase in VAT should be considered by the Government. He is right on this issue,

Saman Monday, 19 September 2016 06:59 PM

You and you family single handedly destroyed our beloved country! Our people wouldn't be paying the increased VAT if your family hadn't looted our country to the tune of billions of dollars.

Citisen Monday, 19 September 2016 07:59 PM

Well ssid everyone your comments werd just grest good k iw we still have inteligent people here

Veda-mama Tuesday, 20 September 2016 02:39 AM

Exactly...Now talking about milking the sick when he did not spare even the dead.

Nilhan Jayawardene Tuesday, 20 September 2016 03:24 AM

Spent force.

RW Monday, 19 September 2016 06:19 PM

this is what called illang kanawa, hik hik. when you point your forefinger at others, you forgot that your other 4 fingers pointing at you.

dulan Tuesday, 20 September 2016 07:08 AM

Why does media publish every stupid thing this MP says? It is the media who has bolstered Wimal Gammanipila etc too

TONY Tuesday, 20 September 2016 09:08 AM

CAN YOU TELL HOW WE CAN START REPAYING THE LOANS WITHOUT INCREASED INCOME

Manuel Benjamin Tuesday, 20 September 2016 09:13 AM

He is just an MP now and he has no say. Only empty vessels can make noises, but never dream to rule again.

Kiris Baba Amaray Tuesday, 20 September 2016 09:15 AM

Dallas what you said will only suit you and your master - Old defeated king.

Vijith Pieterz Tuesday, 20 September 2016 09:17 AM

That is a nice question Pradeep. Will this greedy fellow spend even a penny for the sake of our nation?

Desmond Jeromme Tuesday, 20 September 2016 09:19 AM

Yes in billions he and his family looted. If he repays this amount for sure, no need of any taxes.

Dilkie Tuesday, 20 September 2016 02:50 PM

Absolutely!

Rohini Monday, 19 September 2016 04:32 PM

We don't care about the vat as long as you are not the president. The damage you have done to this country and the people is unbelievable. Thank god we got rid of you. GROBR

OMG Monday, 19 September 2016 06:15 PM

Well said Sonali, he is good for crocodile tears.

Dallas Monday, 19 September 2016 06:07 PM

ur an Id-ot

Arjuna Monday, 19 September 2016 05:52 PM

Can you ask your son to pay Taxes he has to pay for his sport cars

r86 Monday, 19 September 2016 05:32 PM

previous gov has paid loan installments without increasing any VAT..Then who has taken loans ..y couldnt gov find the looted money so far..All are drama..this gov cant make us fool adding every things to one person account ..we have to burn with 4% VAT... via DM Android App

Sandun Monday, 19 September 2016 05:26 PM

MR is an MP. Why doesn't he raise these questions in the parliament and have a healthy debate. Oh wait, that's because he is rabble rousing demagogue, who doesn't hear any other voices except his own.

karsha Monday, 19 September 2016 05:20 PM

So you tried all your henchman before with the same gimmicks which failed and you are trying? Bad luck noway buddy.

Labby Monday, 19 September 2016 05:20 PM

Whom were they milking when his government increased the VAT to 20% ?

raj Monday, 19 September 2016 05:09 PM

you have done enough damage during your period. don't create any more damage to the beautiful country. we want to live in peace.

Daily Boru Monday, 19 September 2016 05:03 PM

Your family and the rogues around you were milking the country. Have you forgotten it?

Qubit Monday, 19 September 2016 05:01 PM

Actually MR is the one who is milking the sick - we are paying VAT to save the country from the debts he piled up.

Malee Monday, 19 September 2016 04:53 PM

Not only your family even your goons plundered the wealth of poor people and VAT is nothing compared to what you looted.

Arnold Monday, 19 September 2016 04:53 PM

ONLY if you had not taken loans from China for your useless projects like the MRIA and the MR port, and the convention center, we will not be suffering like this.

Warren Monday, 19 September 2016 04:44 PM

Well said Pradeep

Sonali Monday, 19 September 2016 04:41 PM

We are paying for your sins. So please don't be patronizing. You and your immediate family members are the reason we are in this situation.

pradeep Monday, 19 September 2016 04:34 PM

Can you kindly pay back the loan you obtained with the looted money ? then VAT will not be required .

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MR on VAT: Milking the sick

Comments - 33

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