PTA and Organised Crime Bill Won’t Be Put to Vote Without Broad Consensus – President

COLOMBO (News 1st): The National People's Power Trade Union National Convention, got underway today at the P.D. Sirisena Grounds in Maligawatte, Colombo.

The convention was held under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. 

The convention was also attended by Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning, Anil Jayantha Fernando, Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation, K. D. Lal Kantha and several other ministerial dignitaries. 

Addressing the National Convention, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said the proposed Prevention of Terrorism Act and the proposed Organised Crime Bill would not be put to a vote in Parliament until a broad consensus had been reached through consultations with relevant stakeholders and civil society organisations that had raised concerns over the matters.

The President further stressed that the country's development would be pursued while taking into account its historical foundations and heritage.

Speaking on possible tax relief, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said the upcoming Budget is expected to provide relief on Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) tax.

He reiterated that the government would consider increases to other allowances only after the revised basic salary structure comes into effect in January 2027.

However, he announced that several essential allowances would be increased under the upcoming Budget, with many set to be raised by 100%.