Reply To:
Name - Reply Comment
Last Updated : 2024-04-24 12:18:00
(Colombo) AFP: Sri Lanka on Saturday slashed a tax on sugary drinks in a controversial reversal of an anti-diabetes policy that attracted immediate criticism.
The finance ministry ordered an immediate 40 percent reduction in the levy as part of a package of tax cuts launched by the disputed government to win over public opinion as a bitter power struggle intensifies. But health campaigners and a former minister condemned the move as damaging the fight against obesity and diabetes among young people.
Sri Lanka has been gripped by a constitutional showdown between President Maithripala Sirisena and his sacked Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, who refuses to step down.
Sirisena’s nominee for Prime Minister, Mahinda Rajapaksa has been making populists moves to win support for his government which has been recognised only by China and Burundi.
The lower sugar tax came on top of reductions in fuel prices and income taxes this week.
Wickremesinghe’s administration, which was toppled on October 26, had introduced the sweet tax -- 50 cents on every gram of sugar in fizzy and fruit drinks -- but the rate was slashed to 30 cents from Saturday.
The Health Ministry has said that 10 percent of the country’s 21 million population is affected by diabetes and another 20 percent were at risk of developing the condition.
Health lobbyist Dhanya Wijesuriya took to twitter to slam the authorities for making sugary drinks cheaper.
“This is insane,” Wijesuriya said of the decision. “How self serving. No vision,” he added.
Former Health Minister Rajitha Senaratne described the tax cut as “irresponsible”.
There was no immediate comment from Sirisena who last year warned international beverage makers that he would increase taxes unless they reduced sugar in their products.
Add comment
Comments will be edited (grammar, spelling and slang) and authorized at the discretion of Daily Mirror online. The website also has the right not to publish selected comments.
Reply To:
Name - Reply Comment
US authorities are currently reviewing the manifest of every cargo aboard MV
On March 26, a couple arriving from Thailand was arrested with 88 live animal
According to villagers from Naula-Moragolla out of 105 families 80 can afford
Is the situation in Sri Lanka so grim that locals harbour hope that they coul
37 minute ago
38 minute ago