FM trying to reduce tax on liquor: GMOA

24 October 2017 08:08 pm - 17 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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The GMOA today accused the Finance Ministry of attempting to reduce the tax on liquor through the 2018 budget and said this would encourage the liquor use.

It said despite the national policy of the country which is to prevent the easy access to liquor, the Finance Ministry was attempting reduce tax with the intention of promoting the tourism sector. GMOA spokesman Samantha Ananda said the Finance Ministry’s move would destroy the values of the country as it would encourage alcoholism.

“It is attempting to create butterflies through rainbow economic goals. Having sold the country’s resources, the government now trying to sell its culture,” he said.

Dr. Ananda said the move was a violation of World Health Organisation (WHO) standards and it had strongly suggested that higher tax should be imposed. The GMOA demanded a complete ban of alcohol.

Meanwhile, GMOA Secretary Haritha Aluthge said the GMOA was informed of an attempt to open liquor outlets countrywide at SATHOSA outlets. He said if it was done it would influence liquor consumption. Dr. Aluthge said liquor and tobacco were not essential to the tourism industry and tourists could visit the country to view its landscape and nature.

“Tourists don’t visit the country because of liquor and tobacco. If the Finance ministry is saying liquor and tobacco is a must to survival of the industry we should not let those drunken tourists enter our country with a great culture,” he said. (Thilanka Kanakarathna)

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Comments - 17

Snowy Tuesday, 24 October 2017 09:22 PM

Thanks GMOA for the news. This is great news and I am off dancing my way to the local pub for a pint.

MP Wednesday, 25 October 2017 07:19 AM

Yes, you may dance as you wish and forget all your problems, both in the domestic atmosphere as well as in the country. Please carry on!

WalUura Wednesday, 25 October 2017 07:17 AM

The GMOA idiots don't care about lowering taxes because they get there liquor duty free anyway when they go on their many holidays.

chinta Wednesday, 25 October 2017 08:20 AM

During the previous regime Ven.Ratana and unreliable Campika made big noise regarding the campaign against liqueur,now they are with this super government as per to them,do they won't any comment on this issue.

Kaboos Wednesday, 25 October 2017 08:41 AM

GMOA are deceptive doctors. They should be tax heavily on their extra earnings.

Raj Wednesday, 25 October 2017 08:46 AM

Good decision,36000 medical professional don't pay income tax nor they don't have tax file at all. FM please collect tax from those noble tax evaders

Ravi Wednesday, 25 October 2017 08:59 AM

GMOA Idiots like to keep the prices high then people will start consuming all illicit stuff and fall sick then its good for their channel practice business. Also they can get more benefits from the pharmaceutical buddies.

Abu Umar Wednesday, 25 October 2017 09:00 AM

I wonder if they really mean it because, if you see the amount of liquor consumed at the gatherings of these doctors, one would think that they can't be serious. Only thing is the liquor served at these parties are sponsored by the pharmaceutical companies.

sathees Wednesday, 25 October 2017 09:02 AM

Is GMOA a political party? Everyone is doing politics except Elected MP's. Well they are busy filling their pockets.

Jamalji Wednesday, 25 October 2017 09:09 AM

Sri Lankans cannot be separated from liquor. Due to over pricing, they are at the mercy of illicit brewers . During evenings, bars and taverns are empty. What govt. should earn is earned by illicit dens.

channaj Wednesday, 25 October 2017 09:20 AM

when the previous government opened liquor shops why GMOA was silent. Why were they silent when the port city was written to a chinese entity.

ThilakP Wednesday, 25 October 2017 10:12 AM

Sri Lanka is a country in need of increasing its revenue. When the FM is taking steps to do so; short sighted organisations seem to be doing their best to stop that.

SamW Wednesday, 25 October 2017 10:24 AM

Tax increase on alcohol will reduce the consumption of legal alcohol and INCREASE the consumption of illicit alcohol. It looks like the GMOA is supporting illicit consumption.

suresh Wednesday, 25 October 2017 10:58 AM

what have the GMOA got to do with this. They interfere with everything that a govt. should be doing-economy,resources, culture. Except providing medical treatment the GMOA does everything else

Nalin Wednesday, 25 October 2017 01:00 PM

These idiots of the GMOA are now really getting out of hand. They are definitely not a Trade Union anymore. One wonders how many of the office bearers actually practice their profession.

Mason Wednesday, 25 October 2017 01:35 PM

You GMOA guys have no right to speak on liquor price reductions. You earn thumping amounts in private practice sans income tax. An ordinary decent man has a drink now and then and pays for it with difficulty. Dear Minister of Finance we welcome and appreciate your move. Ignore the GMOA, all are aware the problems they are causing.

roshan Wednesday, 25 October 2017 01:50 PM

Dear GMOA, yiu look after the GMOA an dthe Government we voted will look after the country We did not vote you to rule or take decisions, where were all of you when mara MR was doing saitem, sleeping under the ....

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FM trying to reduce tax on liquor: GMOA

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