Video

Open invitation to all media for detailed VAT discussions

1 January 2024 07:46 pm - 11 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A A A

Colombo, Jan. 1 (Daily Mirror) - Finance State Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya made an open invitation today to all media institutions to have a detailed discussion on the value-added tax (VAT) to raise awareness among the public.

Addressing the media, he said VAT is a complex topic, and it should be explained to the people who have taken it for granted.

However, everything is in place to issue all gazette notifications relating to VAT by Thursday (4), he said.

"This discussion should be open to the public for them to raise their issues as well. As the Finance Ministry, we are ready to discuss this topic with the people. Some people assume that the price of petrol and diesel will increased by a huge amount, but the government identified this situation and managed by imposing other taxes," he said.

"There will be a slight increase in all consumer items after imposing the new VAT, but it is very clear that VAT has not been added to some goods. Some people have given the wrong interpretations about it, and as the Minister, I am ready to clarify it," Minister Siyambalapitiya said.

"Rice, rice flour, infant milk powder, wheat, wheat flour, bread, medicine, ayurvedic medicine, transport services, education services, burials, and cremations, and medical equipment like crutches do not come under the VAT," he said while adding that the government is working to reduce the prices of goods through certain other methods by identifying everything.

Comments - 11

Shalani Tharaka Monday, 01 January 2024 08:49 PM

Taxes for the people, luxuries for the politicians.

Kandiah Balendran Monday, 01 January 2024 08:50 PM

Reduce government expenditure and waste.

Ama Tuesday, 02 January 2024 01:26 AM

And also send MPs home who don't serve people.

How to reduce expenditure except by sacking government paid people Tuesday, 02 January 2024 09:42 AM

The 300,000 sized army is the biggest burden on the country. Only way to move forward is to make it down to 60,000 in the next three years, and then cut it down further. Even India doesn't have such a big portion of it's people in military like the despot regime here.

Jason Mack Monday, 01 January 2024 08:56 PM

What an idiot, because certain items in food baskets do not add the VAT, does not stop sellers of those items from increasing prices as they still need to consume VAT-added items to live?

Jayantha Monday, 01 January 2024 09:24 PM

Lol. Reduce government expenditure without jabbering nonsense Mr frog. Give that parliament to a hotel as it a major money wasting institute. Then use a bmich hall to have parliment sessions. Use your own vehicles or use your own money for fuel instead of using public money for free fuel and free perks.

He should be taught a lesson before long. Monday, 01 January 2024 09:48 PM

Whom is this fellow trying to hoodwink ?

Gaja man Monday, 01 January 2024 10:29 PM

Hey man , BUT the price of “ buth packet” has increased

Abd Monday, 01 January 2024 10:54 PM

People repeatedly asking why not take actions against bad debt of state banks taken by political supporters, Rajapakshas looted state coffers without limits and unethical import tax fraud with help of inside information from finance ministry

Upulpb Monday, 01 January 2024 10:56 PM

Way people are suffering discussions may take place on the roads.

Jeewaka Hulangoda Wednesday, 03 January 2024 11:09 AM

No point of discussing anything with MEEHARAK washing the backs of Myna and RW! Then eating the rest! All 225 must be working in our paddy field for the Pin Padi!

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.

Video

Open invitation to all media for detailed VAT discussions

Comments - 11

Add comment

RECOMMENDED

Did BASL misappropriate monies sent by JICA for anti-corruption programme?

Proposed wage hike Estate workers appreciated or trapped in election promise?

‘Spike in blast fishing’ poses renewed threats to Sri Lanka’s marine ecosystems

UDA owned land in Thalawathugoda; UDA Minister Prasanna Ranatunga under the spotlight for forceful occupation of reserved land

Loss-making SMIB faces political pressure in recovering loans

Baltimore Bridge Collapse: MV Dali, SL authorities anchored in mystery?

Has Sri Lanka become a potential hub for the illegal wildlife trade?

Most Viewed in News

Elon Musk to visit Sri Lanka this year to launch Starlink

Sri Lanka cricketer to retire after World Cup & migrate to Melbourne

Will Ranil regain support of Tamil and Muslim voters?

Col. 7 businessman arrested for assaulting Iranian Ambassador

Police respond to video on interprovincial travel concerns

Arrest of four persons over War Dead Commemoration: Sri Lankan authorities in Canada in dilemma

MIRROR CRICKET

Russel Arnold among Australia’s Multicultural Ambassadors

Starc stars as Kolkata thrash Hyderabad to reach IPL final

All teams retained and pre-signed maximum players ahead of LPL auction

Kusal Mendis secures visa to USA after delay

TODAY'S HEADLINES

Economic Transformation Bill provide provisions to stabilize Sri Lanka by 2032

10 year old school girl dies after being run over by bus

1,732 illegal Sri Lankan migrants repatriated from Malaysia

Finance ministry to revise customs rewards after audit reveals Rs. 24,220 million payout

Russel Arnold among Australia’s Multicultural Ambassadors

Starc stars as Kolkata thrash Hyderabad to reach IPL final

Dulan shatters world record at Para Meet

LPL auction: Matheesha Pathirana breaks record as most expensive player