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2017 Budget squeezing the necks of the poor: GL

15 November 2016 09:26 pm - 12     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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The 2017 Budget as no vision other than including proposals to squeeze the necks of the poor, joint opposition member G.L. Peiris said today.

He said the proposal to increase the minimum penalty on traffic offences to Rs.2,500 had been temporarily withdrawn by the government while a proposal to restructure the ‘Samurdhi’ as ‘Jana Isuru’ had been introduced amid objections by the subject minister.

“This is exactly what happened with the previous budget. It was subjected to many amendments and at the end there were only a few of the original proposals left,” he told a news conference by the JO economic research centre.

Prof. Peiris however commended the proposal to provide Tabs to students but said it would be of little or no use because the government had increased internet charges.

“Basic facilities provided to the students and schools should have been increased instead of providing Tabs which might not be used,” he said.

Prof. Peiris said the government had increased indirect taxes to 75 per cent of the tax revenue. "The poor will be badly affected by the move and said the government should have imposed direct taxes on the elite class," he said and criticized the introduction of a fee when a person files a case in court and described the move as inhumane.

“It is a human right to seek justice. From now on, if a person files a case expecting justice from the court when they are wronged, the government will impose a charge to deliver justice,” he said. (Lahiru Pothmulla)


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  Comments - 12

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  • Pradeep Tuesday, 15 November 2016 09:50 PM

    As long as the budget is not affected to you, G.L.Peiris we are happy. Why don't you retire from politics for the betterment of our people. I remember when you crossed over from Ranil to get a ministerial job with MR. You are a man with no principle.

    Saman Tuesday, 15 November 2016 10:01 PM

    Aiyo professor.

    Shelly. Tuesday, 15 November 2016 10:17 PM

    GL by his budget increased our Payee taxes many fold. And of all consumer goods inclusive the price of bread. He withdrew the tax concession on Life Insurance premiums. Now he cries behalf of me. Shameless opportunist. He may squeeze his own things. via DM Android App

    azwer Tuesday, 15 November 2016 10:33 PM

    paving the way to another system of corruption via DM Android App

    Sallaalaya Tuesday, 15 November 2016 10:58 PM

    Unlike the previous govt who squeezed everything of everybody..

    Leo Tuesday, 15 November 2016 11:49 PM

    An educated man turned puppet. via DM Android App

    Dot Wednesday, 16 November 2016 03:46 AM

    Whilst commending Dr Peiris on his stance on thinking about the poor .I would like him to influence his friends in the party that may be , yes maybe we can lead by default in a way by adopting a life style rich in culture and ethics and less opulent .For it is the one third in the country that draws in the resources of the country by building mansions and owning luxury vehicles. If resources are better distributed the poor will not have to depend on handouts given back by indirectly taxing them .. We all share in the tax system in the country as consumers who have lost self reliance . so money given as handouts is recycled back ..lets find the true patriot who will lead the country and thereby be a leader in opulent driven Asia

    Mevan Wednesday, 16 November 2016 03:55 AM

    During your regime people were not only squeezed there were murders, rapes and disappearances of people using white vans. People have not forgotten.

    Ranjitdea Wednesday, 16 November 2016 03:56 AM

    I thought you eliminated poverty from Sri Lanka during your time in power!

    cheers Wednesday, 16 November 2016 04:55 AM

    A well educated person and a professor who is internationally fame is absolutely right. I know how much the western countries would like to listen to your speeches.

    Dr. Edward Perera Germany Wednesday, 16 November 2016 05:44 AM

    G.L! Do you know the real meaning of poverty? I mean the poverty of politics.

    roshan Thursday, 17 November 2016 10:12 AM

    very good comment


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