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VAT on mobile call charges still minimal: Harin

9 May 2016 12:43 pm - 22     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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The increase in the Value Added Tax (VAT) on mobile network charges is not a huge burden on the people when compared with other countries, Telecommunication and Digital Infrastructure Minister Harin Fernando said today.

He told the BBC Sinhala Service that he would not attempt to justify the VAT increase but the Government was compelled to do so because of the current economic situation in the country.

“Sri Lanka has the lowest phone charge rates when compared with other countries. Even though VAT has been increased rates are still minimal. It is not a huge burden on the people,” he added.


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  Comments - 22

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  • duminda Tuesday, 10 May 2016 01:34 AM

    how about comparing salaries with other countries also via DM iOS App

    leel Tuesday, 10 May 2016 12:04 PM

    telecom reload and alcohol, cigars, cigarette are not different all are bad and useless. tax them heavily.

    Dominic Tuesday, 10 May 2016 12:00 PM

    In most other countries the hourly wage is US12

    ?? Tuesday, 10 May 2016 10:12 AM

    Then thats why dont we reduce the number of ministers and their benefits? why does the Prim: requires a 6bil worth vehicle?

    nihal Tuesday, 10 May 2016 08:31 AM

    when these ministers are in the opposition they see everything as abnormal, but once they come to power then everything becomes normal.. what a joke

    rohana Tuesday, 10 May 2016 05:29 AM

    Then, it may not give a good income to the Government. Why do you tax the mobile phones if it is not a big amount?

    sanutthara Tuesday, 10 May 2016 05:16 AM

    wrong. it is too much. when avg sri lankan earn 25000 rupees he pays 3 to 4000 for mobile internet and fixed lines. in usa when lowest income is 800 dollars still pays just 25 dollrs per month with unlimited text voice and 3gb 4g lte data. sales tax is around 10 percent via DM Android App

    saman Tuesday, 10 May 2016 04:59 AM

    I agree with the minister. In SL, everything is cheap compared to other countries in the world expect salaries!

    Mufallal Tuesday, 10 May 2016 04:50 AM

    Because it's all free for you you don't feel the people's suffering, it's easy for you to say by mouth

    Mufallal Tuesday, 10 May 2016 04:49 AM

    Minister it's easy for you to say it because youU don't pay a single cent it's all free for you

    Deen Tuesday, 10 May 2016 02:59 AM

    Minister is so stupid, how can we compare with other Countries we don't get same pay n service,

    Angelo Monday, 09 May 2016 01:09 PM

    So, you mean to say 46% taxes and Levy's are still not a big deal??? Can you give more insight to your thinking...

    ? Tuesday, 10 May 2016 01:16 AM

    plz... This is all done so that the country wont go bankrupt bcz of the heavy debts. MR had not increased taxes because that would affect his image. Only true educated people will understand the valur of what this governemnt is doing. via DM Android App

    ANTON Monday, 09 May 2016 10:03 PM

    THEN LADIES WILL USE OFFICIAL PHONES FOR CAKE DECORATIONS, FASHION DESIGNS AND HOURLY HOT NEWS.

    Weera Monday, 09 May 2016 09:14 PM

    Ministers while robbing peoples money

    Rosy Monday, 09 May 2016 07:28 PM

    New taxes: Telecom levy 25%. Telecom levy two 10%. New VAT 15%. Total 50%. With Rs 100 reload, now u can talk only for Rs 50. Under MR no levy on pre-paid at all.

    Sim Monday, 09 May 2016 05:44 PM

    How about the income and services of other countries? Can we compare with those countries.

    Jagath Leanage Monday, 09 May 2016 05:30 PM

    Ministers should not think that we are fools. What ever the increase is, is an increase and it will have a effect to all citizens purse/pocket in Sri Lanka. Previous regime too did the same mistakes.

    Burden Monday, 09 May 2016 04:29 PM

    It may not be so for the Minister. But the increase in charges on Mobile and also on health related serviceswill decide the future of this good governance government at the forthcoming elections for local bodies.

    pakeer Monday, 09 May 2016 01:38 PM

    if we are comparing only about, telecommunication charges with other countries, this retarded person is fine. but how can he forget about vehicle market, salaries, and GDP...etc.

    Aweej Monday, 09 May 2016 01:23 PM

    Well said ! In most other countries we have to pay 10-20 LKR per text msg

    lalu Monday, 09 May 2016 01:20 PM

    Small small increases here and there ultimately become big and huge burden for the public. Where is Harsha now. via DM Android App


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Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka

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