26 August 2023 08:21 pm Views - 2136
Sri Lanka is now under the clutches of the International Monitory Fund (IMF) just as we were under British colonial rule, where Sri Lanka had no freedom or sovereignty to decide on its taxation or fiscal policies, NPP leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake said today.
Addressing an event organised by the National Bhikkhu Front (NBF) at the Foundation Institute, he said even though colonial rulers were not physically present here now, all the decisions with regard to taxation, fiscal policies etc. are done on the need of the IMF which functions with the intervention of the United States.
"How come the present situation differs from colonial rule," he asked and said, "When the professionals questioned about the PAYEE tax, the President and the Central Bank Governor said they could not do anything about it and that the matter should be dealt with the IMF. Even though it is said that Parliament has the power of public finance, the IMF has the powers to impose, change and remove taxes in Sri Lanka," he said.
He said when the opposition requested a two-day debate on the Central Bank Amendment Bill, the government said it is not possible and that if the debate went for two days, it would affect the time frame given by the IMF.
“This shows that the imposition of laws and control over public finance is no longer under Parliament. Is the present rule not similar to colonial rule? he asked.
The MP said a fresh struggle for the freedom and sovereignty of the people is needed now.(Ajith Siriwardana)