Wajira says new tax formula meant to consolidate economy
UNP lawmaker Wajira Abeywardena yesterday (03) claimed that the proposed new tax structure would be beneficial to the ordinary people.
The National List MP warned that holding of Local Government polls as scheduled before March 20 would be detrimental to the ongoing efforts to stabilise the economy. The former minister said so addressing the media at ‘Sirikotha’ where he lambasted the Opposition for demanding Local Government polls.
MP Abeywardena said that further printing of currency notes to conduct proposed election would undermine ongoing efforts to stabilize troubled economy. The former Galle District MP succeeded Ranil Wickremesinghe after the latter was elected by a majority vote in parliament to complete the remainder of Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s five-year term as the President.
Lawmaker Abeywardena alleged that though President Ranil Wickremesinghe promised to adopt system change proposed by youth, the Opposition was continuing with the old strategies meant to destabilize. Underscoring the pivotal importance of implementing the new tax formula at least for some period, that would be crucial to reviving the national economy.
The MP expressed confidence that the runaway inflation could be controlled by implementing the new tax formula. Led by the Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) , professionals are up in arms against the new tax structure which they alleged would influence many families to leave the country.
The UNPer questioned the need for Local Government polls at this juncture as it wouldn’t cause change of government and may result in further burden on hapless public.
The former minister said that those who had been trying to undermine the government conveniently forgot how President Wickremesinghe took tangible measures to restore supply of essential items within weeks after he assumed the presidency. President Wickremesinghe brought an end to untimely deaths at various fuel and gas queues across the country.
In spite of continuing economic problems, President Wickremesinghe’s government was working overtime to improve the situation and stabilize the country in 2023, the MP said, while explaining specific measures taken by the government after the UNP leader assumed presidency in July 2022 (SF)
