Increase, to meet IMF conditions; UNP

31 March 2012 09:49 am - 28 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Economist and UNP MP Dr. Harsha De Silva said today that the increase in taxes that were announced by the Ministry of Finance and Planning was in order to meet conditions stipulated by the IMF. “The IMF board will meet on Monday and the loan that is suspended will be taken up then. The government is trying desperately to get that money that was suspended. In order to do so the government has to do a whole bunch of things including the increase in utility prices, the increase in interest rates and the depreciation of the currency. This increase in taxes looks very much in preparation for the IMF meeting scheduled on Monday” he said.

The National list parliamentarian went on to state that the increase in taxes were a hit on the common man. “If you look at the percentages of increase you would find that the increase is weighed heavily on vehicles used by the average Sri Lankan. The increase of taxes on vehicles below 100CC, motor bikes and Trishaws, are all modes of transport used by the middle and lower middle class of this country. The taxes have been increased phenomenally on them whilst the increase in the taxes for other luxurious vehicles such as the Mercedes and the BMW is marginal in comparison” he said.

The MP also said that the government has forgotten the basic ideal of protecting the common man as espoused in the Mahinda Chinthana. “The common man is left in the lurch. Just like they increased the taxes on kerosene the government has yet again taken to task the average citizen. Unknown to many the government on the 22nd of March increased the special commodity levy on green gram by 50% and Kurakkan by 33% which shows the attitude of the government towards the commoner” he said.(Hafeel Farisz)

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Comments - 28

jaliya Sunday, 01 April 2012 01:35 AM

True True doctor! At least we have one educated man among bunch of idiots and corrupts. Mahinda Chinthana is lond dead. Now its "IMF Chinthana" in action!

nimal Monday, 02 April 2012 02:19 PM

Yes Yes Only UNP Supporters can understand this.

D.E.M. Ocracy Monday, 02 April 2012 04:37 AM

SUBAMA SUBA ANAGATHAYAK, AVURUDDATA PERA. MAHINDA

ind Monday, 02 April 2012 04:03 AM

Everybody is well educated ONLY WHEN IN THE OPPOSITION. Once get into power. No more good and educated views from them !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Deran Monday, 02 April 2012 03:42 AM

The issue is only 10% or less than that of the population in the country understands this...

Sri Lanka Sunday, 01 April 2012 11:46 AM

All right,, If this is the case, we do not need Maga Neguma..

Ranjith Sunday, 01 April 2012 11:16 AM

We need more people like Harsha in parliament where thugs and uneducated are in abundance.

nimal Sunday, 01 April 2012 08:37 AM

vehicle importers who are behind the government have already imported vehicles which they can sell for next 3 years and can earn enough profits.

Fusion Sunday, 01 April 2012 06:13 AM

Do you think they've even heard of a 'Special Commodity Levy' (SCL) ...?

Fusion Sunday, 01 April 2012 06:10 AM

Yes, Dr. Harsha De Silva, why didn't you join the "bandu 7500" debate?

sreedhar Sunday, 01 April 2012 06:05 AM

Sumathipala,
Why do want these loans? Be soverign and independent. these loans are to resolve "internal" issues.
Beggars can't be choosy. Want a loan listen to the lender

DN Sunday, 01 April 2012 04:55 AM

What is this Doctor.... When Govt. reduced the tax on vehicles you said it is pleased to IMF. Now also you say the same story. Please say something else.

Arachchi Sunday, 01 April 2012 04:48 AM

The issue is no matter what goverment does our main opposition party acts like in asleep...

Sumathipala Sunday, 01 April 2012 01:44 AM

Why there is no outcry from the government regarding the IMF conditions. Compared to the UN Resolution, this conditions are much more painful to fulfil. The common man has to suffer in order to get these loans. To satisfy the UN the commoner can only benefit by getting awarded with human rights.

Tharaka Chanaka Saturday, 31 March 2012 10:00 AM

Mr harsha, pls challenge uncle bandu for the 7500 debate...

Jay Ranaweera Saturday, 31 March 2012 10:55 PM

First of all you better contest the general Election and win a seat in Parliament to speak about Economy!!!

LankanBoy Saturday, 31 March 2012 04:46 PM

Great!! I don't know where this country is heading into.

Ruhunu kolla Saturday, 31 March 2012 02:02 PM

When parrato analysis is used it is obvious that government has to hit the commen man to get the maximum revenue, I mean when motor vehicles are concerned, if financial malpractices, corruptions and wasteage can be eliminated there taxes would not be required!

sxhabeeb Saturday, 31 March 2012 02:00 PM

What is this.. Udapalagaththath wattakka, bim palagaththath wattaka... if the UNP is in Power will do the same.... But still we will live with Rs. 7500/ cause i took advice from Mr. BG

somasundaram Saturday, 31 March 2012 01:24 PM

try to implement a tax systme which is in UK and US, at least certain portion of the countries lot will benefit from the tax retuns at the end of each year

wernie Saturday, 31 March 2012 01:07 PM

Dr.Harsha ,no use telling the common man(not all,butblind supporters),they will say like good olden days that "seeni nethiwa tea bonnam" and "mirris nethiwa hodi kannam" kiyala.

SR Saturday, 31 March 2012 11:26 AM

There should be fair play. Why not remove duty free vehicle concessions granted to MPs. As it is they are enjoying many privilleges that other citizens of Sri Lanka dont have. MPs must set an example. Why this different treatments to just one section of the country. International funding bodies should look in these duty and other unfair parliamentary privelleges.

Prem Saturday, 31 March 2012 11:10 AM

Special commodity levy on green gram by 50% and Kurakkan by 33% .Do JHU and Wee'wnasa know that?

JR Saturday, 31 March 2012 11:05 AM

“He who knows not and knows not he knows not: he is a fool - shun him. (PBJ)
He who knows not and knows he knows not: he is simple - teach him.
He who knows and knows not he knows: he is asleep - wake him. He who knows and knows he knows: he is wise - follow him.”

PB J belongs to the 1st category -- So what more can we expect from him . We are in right royal mess . in an economy which is managed by PBJ over last 15 yrs .

To save oil import cost - increasing duty on hybrid vehicles- What a joke .

To reduce cars on roads - Why ?. Government has failed to build adequate road network . PBS solution is not to have cars/motorbikes ext. and distant buying power from people .Making a "walking society " -wonder of Asia" no doubt.

Nodrog Saturday, 31 March 2012 11:05 AM

Wheres Weerawansa and his big mouth?

samosa Saturday, 31 March 2012 10:48 AM

Kohen Giyath Apita Thamai Bade Para... To maintain such a huge cabinet & government, we will have to get this loan. Ultimately common man will have pay the price.

lankashantha Saturday, 31 March 2012 10:06 AM

This man my my favorite to replace the Central bank Governor.

Amal Saturday, 31 March 2012 10:01 AM

We need more like Dr. Harsha de Silva in parliament to educate us. The government is on a hoodwinking spree!!

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Increase, to meet IMF conditions; UNP

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