Mahinda Rajapaksa Seeks Stability, Backs Tax Cuts

COLOMBO (News 1st); Former Sri Lankan President and Leader of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna Mahinda Rajapaksa said that the SLPP which he leads is a part of the government. 

However, Rajapaksa noted that the present Head of the Government and Head of State is the leader of a different political party with different policies. 

Mahinda Rajapaksa said that at this moment, the primary duty of the SLPP is to ensure a stable government until the next national elections.

Rajapaksa pointed out that around 40 professional associations and trade unions representing vital sectors of the economy and the public services have been agitating for a reduction in income taxes for many months. 

In the meantime, the high tax burden has precipitated an exodus of educated and highly trained professionals from the country giving rise to a new crisis, he said in a statement on Wednesday (20).

Mahinda Rajapaksa went on to note that following increases in the VAT through the budget for 2024, tax policy is set to become a major political issue in 2024.

He said that the call to reduce taxes is based on solid economic principles.

Mahinda Rajapaksa went on to note that low taxes was a cornerstone of my government’s policy and it made a major contribution to the unbroken nine year economic boom that this country experienced between 2006 and 2014.