• Says Govt. proposes to  use the collected funds for elections

By Yohan Perera and Ajith Siriwardana   

It is a shameless act to levy a 25 per cent tax from EPF and to use it for elections, UNP Deputy Leader Ruwan Wijewardene alleged yesterday.    

Mr. Wijewardene who met some party activists at his Hyde Park office said the government is planning to charge a 25 per cent tax through amending the VAT Bill and the proposed surcharge.   

“A gazette notification has been issued to charge a 25 per cent tax from EPF and pension funds and use the collected funds for elections. This is a shameless act,” he said.   
“People have been burdened with tax increases and the cost of living is increasing. LIOC has increased fuel prices and the CPC is likely to follow. Then the government will say the price of fuel was not increased but only did a balancing act,” he also said. 

• People have been burdened with tax increases and the cost of living is increasing