Govt. taking steps to reduce taxes: Ravi

7 June 2016 10:17 pm Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 11 Bookmark

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Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake said today the government was taking steps to reduce taxes and that the increase of VAT was to pay back the loans obtained by the Rajapaksa regime.

“The VAT was increased to pay back the loans obtained by the Rajapaksa regime. The loans cannot be used to pay back loans that had been obtained. They can be used only for the future development projects. We use these taxes to pay back the loans obtained by the previous regime,” he said.

Minister Karunanayake said the short term target of the government was to stabilize the economy of the country before reducing the taxes.

“The economy we were given was full of loans and the statistics had been distorted. Our short term plan is to strengthen the economy before reducing taxes,” he said. (Ajith Siriwardana)

Video by Rishan

Comments - 11

inform Wednesday, 08 June 2016 03:05 AM

Sir, it is always advisable to inform the public about the increase BEFORE implementing it. It need more briefing.

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Hiran Wednesday, 08 June 2016 05:02 AM

Great excuse. Doing all the blunders and saying because of Rajapakse... It is because of central bank bond issue and your mishandling of the finance ministry. Nothing else. People know your corruptions and how much you earn too via DM iOS App

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citizens Wednesday, 08 June 2016 05:17 AM

the blame game once again via DM Android App

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Sirimal Wednesday, 08 June 2016 05:35 AM

You are our hero sir! you are they only hope!

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Sharon Wednesday, 08 June 2016 05:38 AM

Give government back to Rajapaksha. Then they have to pay the loans. That would be the best punishment via DM iOS App

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Premalal Wednesday, 08 June 2016 05:53 AM

V.A.T and tax increases are also used to pay for the comfort of the giant sized cabinet with all duty free vehicles, and tons of allowances before even thinking of repaying loans. If you are so concerned about the people why not do something about that?

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sugath Wednesday, 08 June 2016 06:08 AM

Undoubtedly this is the worst Finance Minister Sri Lanka has had who is unable to present a budget that can be implemented. The funny part is he is one politician that does not get a bad press. Ever thought of it or wondered why. It wil be a supreme even if this comment is published. via DM Android App

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Shan Wednesday, 08 June 2016 06:23 AM

Are the poor people responsible for looted loans? Recover that money from those responsible.

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sacre blieu Wednesday, 08 June 2016 09:15 AM

So, ultimately the public, is over sand over again the sacrificial lamb.

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waruna Wednesday, 08 June 2016 09:22 AM

Then how come give duty free permits to MPs? If MPs pay duty it would be an income too. You are just giving excuses.

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Mohamed Thursday, 09 June 2016 06:01 PM

Very correct. Get the taxes from MARA

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