Former Sri Lankan President and Leader of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), Mahinda Rajapaksa, declared that the SLPP, under his leadership, is an integral part of the government. However, he emphasized that the current Head of the Government and Head of State belongs to a different political party with distinct policies.
Rajapaksa emphasized that, at present, the primary responsibility of the SLPP is to ensure a stable government until the next national elections.
Highlighting the concerns of approximately 40 professional associations and trade unions representing crucial sectors of the economy and public services, Rajapaksa noted their prolonged advocacy for a reduction in income taxes. He stated that the high tax burden has led to an exodus of educated and highly trained professionals, resulting in a new crisis, as conveyed in a statement on Wednesday (20).
Rajapaksa further pointed out that with the proposed increases in the Value Added Tax (VAT) outlined in the 2024 budget, tax policy is poised to become a significant political issue in 2024. He stressed that the call for tax reduction is grounded in solid economic principles.
Additionally, Rajapaksa recalled that low taxes were a fundamental aspect of his government’s policy, playing a pivotal role in the unbroken nine-year economic boom experienced by the country between 2006 and 2014.
