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NPP government will remove VAT on medicines, school items, food: Anura Kumara
Colombo, August 17 (Daily Mirror)- A future National People's Power (NPP) government will remove the VAT on medicines, school items and food items through its first budget, NPP leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake said today.
Speaking at the NPP inaugural rally in Tangalle, he said a simplified tax system will be introduced while steps will be taken to recover defaulted tax by businessmen such as liquor manufacturers.
"We will remove the VAT on medicines and medical tests. The VAT on school items and supplementary reading books will be removed while steps will be taken to remove the VAT on food items as well. We will do this from the first budget under the NPP government," he said.
Dissanayake said the NPP has to take over a country which has collapsed in all sectors and that the NPP government will rescue the country with determination.
He said the NPP will not take revenge from anyone and added that however, action will be taken against wrong doers and those responsible for fraud and corruption.
"We will stop fraud and corruption and take over stolen assets," he said.
Comments - 87
Comments - NPP government will remove VAT on medicines, school items, food: Anura Kumara
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Yoga Saturday, 17 August 2024 07:29 PM
Well guys, brace for another round of bankruptcy !!!
68 82
Bankrupt For A Few Decades With Any Party Sunday, 18 August 2024 01:59 AM
SL is already Bankrupt but living in fantasy that all is under control. Debt payments are on hold till 2027 and new loans are still taken regularly. Which ever party comes in, the Bankruptcy title won’t change for the next few decades as new loans are taken to pay up old loans PLUS interest. That’s why it’s prudent to cut down on unnecessary expenses and down size all government institutions especially the Tri Forces senior level. Perks and privileges need to be curtailed to the bare minimum. The negative comments on this topic are from the well off and connected with the ruling parties. They are not challenged with daily issues of bringing food onto the table, able to afford private medical care, living in quality homes and moving about in private vehicles. Majority who are against this and previous regimes use depleted healthcare, living in crowded housing and using transportation facilities such as 3 wheelers, trains and buses which are not safe and unpredictable most of the time.
9 34
Grace Sunday, 18 August 2024 09:36 AM
You mean now everyone is eating bellyfully? Malnurished children have become fit as fiddles.? Prices commodities have gone down?Electricity is available for all? Children who dropped out of schools due to financial constraints are going back to schools?
9 26
Amaran Sunday, 18 August 2024 02:13 PM
Very practical thinking. There are several people who have posted negative comments. I want to ask them HAS INCUMBENT GOVERNMENT COLLECTED TAX FROM TAX PAYERS EFFICIENTLY. There are billion of rupees has to be collected from certain entities in LIQUOR dealers
3 9
Jayampathi Sunday, 18 August 2024 02:14 PM
According to my understanding essential food items, medicine, and education are already exempt from VAT.
5 9
Krish Sunday, 18 August 2024 04:12 PM
Nope. I recently bought some exercise books. 18 percent vat was added to my bill for the books.
0 3
Gunadasa Monday, 19 August 2024 06:17 AM
This is another hollow talk from AKD as he did not say how find funds to implement these tax cuts. In other words is he planning to increase income tax, electricity and petrol prices to fund these tax cuts
3 2
Dee Saturday, 17 August 2024 07:35 PM
What ever tax you take of the companies and traders who sell the products need to reduce. This government has reduced prices of many variables in trade (fuel/ energy/ $rate) which brings down production/importation costs but never does the companies/traders pass it on to consumers. Don’t make up fairy tales!
31 53
Vote npp Saturday, 17 August 2024 07:40 PM
This is the way forward. Some filthily rich Ranil supporters might oppose this but cost of food, medicine and education is unbelievable. Let people live first.
45 73
Raven Saturday, 17 August 2024 10:29 PM
If he cuts taxes how will he pay the staggering amount of salaries to the govt sector every month, plus the pensions? There won't be money for development.
10 29
Anthony Saturday, 17 August 2024 07:55 PM
These comments are a joke, don't get caught to this type of promises any country in the world cannot provide these items without charging a Tax. If we believe this another Bankruptcy will happen in three months if they come into power. We educated citizens should have better brains and knowledge. We all know when Gotabaya came to power and when he took away the Tax.
39 68
Zak Sunday, 18 August 2024 04:55 AM
Anthony, you comment goes to show your ignorance and surprised to see you calling yourself “educated”. 1. Not all countries charge tax on medicines. In Australia fresh produce and medicines are sold gst free 2 . NPP is planning on collecting the correct taxes. Currently in SL circa 30% of taxes in relation to VAT/ excises so not get collected due to corrupt practices officers / politician's. Remember having a tax rate to different to collecting those taxes 3 by increasing the taxes as above, of course they can consider giving tax relief to public on medicines / food items and maybe even PAYG
23 25
Sokrates Sunday, 18 August 2024 09:10 AM
You just need to look at the UK. There is no VAT to be paid on the following: food, medical supplies, equipment and treatment, children's clothes, publications (books, magazine, newspaper etc), education, sporting, insurance and some more. The normal VAT rate is 20%.
5 26
Krish Sunday, 18 August 2024 09:55 AM
There is literally another news in this page saying tax relief proposals were sent to IMF by current government. Led by Rw. So if you think removing tax on food medicine and books is bad. Tax relief proposals are much worse.
7 12
BBM Sunday, 18 August 2024 12:08 PM
This is another typical political promise by NPP/JVP They have to explain how to minimize indirect taxes and balance it with direct taxes.
8 8
Need VAT for Luxury Food Items to Ensure Government Income Saturday, 17 August 2024 07:56 PM
Excellent strategy! VAT on Basic food items can be removed. But VAT on luxury food items should have some VAT to ensure income for government expenditures. Remember, nothing is free and VAT should be collected from expensive items.
19 69
Amila Perera Saturday, 17 August 2024 08:05 PM
Very good move. Really appreciate. You know the heart beat of general public
41 61
Fools gold Sunday, 18 August 2024 03:06 PM
Voters like you are innocent like kids who are offered a lollipop. If VAT is removed they will bring it back in a different form just like JVP changed their name to NPP! A country cannot sustain itself without taxation anywhere in the world.
4 8
Joshua Saturday, 17 August 2024 08:07 PM
Please action it. We are with you
32 59
Sandy Saturday, 17 August 2024 08:08 PM
Why didn't you protest against bond scam, medical scam etc during maithri presidency. Why don't you work against drug menace. Talk about projects you opposed .
35 36
Volker Metzger Saturday, 17 August 2024 08:15 PM
Anura Kumara has not yet won the election and is already generously announcing significant tax relief! What should we make of such announcements!? Without really knowing the budget situation and without being able to offset his gifts, he has made grandiose promises that are not backed up by anything! If this is the beginning of a new era under Anura's and the NPP's leadership, then a rude awakening is to be expected!!! This noble gesture of an advance gift to the citizens of Sri Lanka points to the area of politics in which the NPP has the least competence, but which will be most important in the coming years - the economy!!! All models of any socialist color have failed (worldwide)!!! My advice: the people of this (wonderful) country should be extremely skeptical, especially of political "pied pipers"!!!
35 54
G.B.S. Hewarala Saturday, 17 August 2024 08:25 PM
Which means increasing VAT on other goods and services such as transportation, fuel (including gas), appliances such as rice cookers, mobile phones and other electronic items etc., or bankruptcy back in action.
15 57
Saliya Wickramasuriya Saturday, 17 August 2024 08:28 PM
So where are you going to find funds to stop gap the budget deficit?
20 53
Man Sunday, 18 August 2024 06:40 AM
In short; (i) Collecting 500 US $ each from Sri Lankan's who have migrated or abroad. (ii) Printing money (SL) resulting in inflation (iii) Sell whatever available (iv) Take over all the Fixed deposits of Sri Lankans. (v) Devolution of Judicial power to carders, like in 1988-90.
10 15
Jolly Seeya Sunday, 18 August 2024 01:25 PM
By getting rid of unnecessary expenses. Other countries have done. Either you raise taxes and increase revenue or rationalise expenses by getting rid of unnecessary expenses and corruption
2 3
DHA Saturday, 17 August 2024 08:29 PM
I wonder which stolen assets? No one still are unable to prove anything cos the thief never stole items under his name.....and by the time the case finishes the thief will be dead ! You can't win people's hearts with this type of old talk !!!...Bring forth solid economic plans
25 42
Sokrates Sunday, 18 August 2024 09:31 AM
The UN has the UNCAC department for asset recovery in cooperation with the World Bank. This department is working to find and return money transferred by politicians to other countries and other goods that were obtained through corruption or crime. So far they have been very successful in this, even if straw men have been used. However, the Sri Lankan government would have to submit an application to the UNCAC for this to happen, which has probably been "forgotten" so far.
0 12
SLEx Saturday, 17 August 2024 08:48 PM
Ah. The lying to get votes started. I guess they are going to magically get dollars to be able to significantly reduce revenue of the govt. With these peoples thinking another crisis is an year or two away. And its going to only be worse.
22 51
AN AN Sunday, 18 August 2024 05:25 PM
yes. the same thinking of yours.
0 0
Yohan Saturday, 17 August 2024 08:50 PM
He does not have a plan and this proves he is just a talker.If he comes to power, within 2 months we will see the country in bankrupt state.
27 49
Onlooker Sunday, 18 August 2024 02:21 PM
So eat, easy go to hospital, easy move about with lower fuel prices. But who is going to pay for this. Giving is easy when it is someone else's (taxpayer) money. No economic plan to revive country but give give and give and the borrow.
2 4
Jayanie Obeyesekere Saturday, 17 August 2024 08:58 PM
Some people may interpret this as distribution of free goodies. But no he is not talking about giving them for free. He is talking about giving them at the "right market price." Capitalism can't get better than this. Imposing VAT on medicine and school items itself is crime. One hampers the sick and old at present while the latter hampers the future of this island. May this sense prevails once he comes to power.
21 38
Voter Saturday, 17 August 2024 09:01 PM
Don’t promise anything. Masses are fed of those ruled us for the last 75 years and siphoned this country, therefore they’ll vote for you and in return you have to eradicate corruption, waste, nepotism etc, etc… create a system that next generation will live in peace..
24 19
Man Sunday, 18 August 2024 06:38 AM
With files containing photocopies? Ridiculous! Who got the delivery of sentence over the bankruptcy of SL? They were unable to do anything even to get a case filed as such as to convict Rajapakshas'. Talks only with no action even in the case of remanding Rambukwalla and VFS matter they were dumb and deaf. Hilarious indeed about their ability.
3 5
sathish Saturday, 17 August 2024 09:02 PM
I feel since NPP is corruption free ,this is possible
32 38
G. B. S. Hewarala Saturday, 17 August 2024 09:15 PM
Why it is corruption free? Does that party consist of some species from Mars, or What?
31 38
Man Sunday, 18 August 2024 06:41 AM
With files containing photocopies? Ridiculous! Who got the delivery of sentence over the bankruptcy of SL? They were unable to do anything even to get a case filed as such as to convict Rajapakshas'. Talks only with no action even in the case of remanding Rambukwalla and VFS matter they were dumb and deaf. Hilarious indeed about their ability.
1 6
Chris Sunday, 18 August 2024 07:48 AM
Who told you they are corruption free? Has he declared his financial status to you in secret?
5 9
Yohan Sunday, 18 August 2024 08:31 AM
MR and RW was never linked to corruption prior to becoming PM. Ravi, Daya, SB, Wimal etc were never linked to corruption until they became powerful ministers. So if these guys comes to power, they will be worse than the rest as they never had an opportunity to rob. Think twice before voting mate.
8 8
Sumal Saturday, 17 August 2024 09:12 PM
What about stop stealing the private employees monthly salary in the pretext of tax? Any unbearable and unreasonable tax is considered stealing. If you don't talk about this, you will not get the support of private employees and their families. You don't see entire IT and technology sectors are underperforming due to current stealing of their monthly salary. You know how many professionals have left the country?
10 15
Leo Saturday, 17 August 2024 10:24 PM
Those countries "steal" more from the salary as you like to put it.
1 1
SRI Saturday, 17 August 2024 11:23 PM
Most of these IT professionals who left the country giving big talks have ended up being unemployed in most of the western countries which they sought refuge in as most top tech companies and many other startups have started firing people. Now they have no other option but to return.
2 6
Rip Winkle Saturday, 17 August 2024 10:13 PM
Highly appreciate if you would first remove all the crooks in the present government.
2 9
Chris Saturday, 17 August 2024 10:16 PM
Going the Gota way. Remove tax and bankrupt the country. What a joker.
4 16
JeffK Saturday, 17 August 2024 10:25 PM
Third world politicians promise tax cuts in each election. Not something new.
4 11
Fact Saturday, 17 August 2024 10:55 PM
Whatever, VAT is the most abused TAX system in Sri Lanka. Liable Tax payers inflate their purchases with dummy Tax invoices for which actual money transaction would never take place. That's why, in other countries payment transaction through the Banks are mandatory for VAT Invoices beyond a small amount. Corruption at all levels is the root cause for all our misery.
0 3
Jayampathi Saturday, 17 August 2024 11:04 PM
AKD always tells the benefits given to people. Never said how would fund it. They have to increase or add taxes for the middle and upper classes to maintain this beneficiary economy.
1 11
lion Sunday, 18 August 2024 03:36 PM
Jayampathi how many times he has said how they are going fined money. for the activities that they intend to do. If corruption is stooped and collect the taxes properly without allowing to escape specially for the liquor manufactures huge amount of money could be collected. Then stopping ministers having so many vehicles and their un wanted perks enormous of amount of tax payers money could be saved. If you are honest and if you have the proper dedicated team this country can be salvaged from this disaster.
2 1
One lie after another Saturday, 17 August 2024 11:33 PM
This statement itself reveals how shallow his economic knowledge is. Keep promising Anura. You might even try to build a bridge where there's no river.
3 13
Hasara the immature brat Saturday, 17 August 2024 11:37 PM
What bull shit are you talking about? Then how do you pay the debts? By selling rich people's assets after grabbing them forcefully by your government?
3 13
Siranthi Saturday, 17 August 2024 11:39 PM
BTW, you have the best personality to become the president of this country.
5 3
Ant Sunday, 18 August 2024 01:10 AM
If that does not elect an NPP government then the voting Sri Lankans are dumb, stupid, braindead dullards.
9 5
Citizen Poor Sunday, 18 August 2024 02:36 AM
If the equation is unbalanced in a section, you need to balance it from another area, the fact of simple arithmetic. Don’t tell Surangana Katha to attract illiterate voters. Big problems in our country is price gouging by traders, not being reasonable and absence of fairness, traders not producing invoices with traders names and other information to evade tax and absence of a effective mechanism to bring such traders to justice.
1 8
Kevin Sunday, 18 August 2024 03:28 AM
Good move. Government doesn't collect much from these taxes but their individual impact is extreme. There are many ways to save on waste and excessive spending. Using treasury funds for politicking for the incumbent must be banned. This is huge.
6 1
Herman Perera Sunday, 18 August 2024 05:17 AM
RANIL "THE LOAN RANGER" has said 18 countries have pledged to help him with loans. When will this END. GOD BLESS SRI LOANKA.
3 4
lion Sunday, 18 August 2024 05:19 AM
AKD You have proved that you are not corrupt and also very competent when you handled the ministry of Agriculture and animal husbandry. We are certain that you will implement what you promise when you come to power.
14 3
mina Sunday, 18 August 2024 05:20 AM
Hart beat of the nation
6 5
last chance Sunday, 18 August 2024 05:27 AM
Promises given by Ranil, and Sajith will be in the dust bin when they start to govern the country.Years of experience have thought us these people are just talkers and deceivers.
5 5
Tissa Fernando Sunday, 18 August 2024 05:33 AM
Cheap talks , is that the only economic plan? After damaging the economy by doing subversive acts for decades , he is talking bull shit now.
4 11
Last chance Sunday, 18 August 2024 11:55 AM
Whether it’s cheap or expensive you got to give them chance to ascertain.
6 2
Tissa Fernando Sunday, 18 August 2024 05:34 PM
Chance to do what exactly? To bring back 88 89 type rule? To keep everyone at below poverty level so that they could rule for ever. To take revenge from those who have.
0 2
AJ Sunday, 18 August 2024 06:30 AM
It’s good importing essential items by government under tough supervision, like Ilangaratna time,Sathosa and cooperative societies bring back to life giving competition mong them,Custom must be overhauled and bring under serious surveillance,
0 1
Citizens Sunday, 18 August 2024 06:33 AM
This statement itself shows that AKD doesn't have a clue on anything! The younger generation is fed up, understandably, and also stubborn. So they will believe anything that this goon says and promises because they themselves are totally mislead and clueless about everything. Sadly they are like robots, can be manipulated. If you get elected, be ready to get chased in o time, like Gota, but it won't be very nice and there will be a lot of bloodshed. That was another inexperienced president, unfit to rule a country.
1 13
warren Sunday, 18 August 2024 07:05 AM
This shows how naive the NPP leader and his think tank. VAT is a consumption tax, paid at the point of spending. What is important is to reduce income taxes. High income taxes discourage saving and consumption. Less savings means less capital formation. A country needs capital to raise productivity and eventually, the living standards in the long run. What economics do these people know? These kinds of statements are sufficient to gauge the economic calamity the country will endure if these immature people come to power by mistake.
2 14
Hadira Sunday, 18 August 2024 08:08 AM
Before removing Vat on certain items they should show the IMF equal amount of revenue is collected and handed over to the treasury.Isnt it ?
0 7
Mohan Sunday, 18 August 2024 08:48 AM
How are you going to make up for the lost revenue?
1 11
Grace Sunday, 18 August 2024 09:41 AM
If there is a will, there is a way. Helping the poor pleases God. For your good intentions, Mother nature will support you.
9 6
Ahamed Sunday, 18 August 2024 11:08 AM
welcoming decision by the NPP to cut tax for food, education, and medicines, as these 3 going to change the public lifestyle.
6 1
Lala Sunday, 18 August 2024 11:10 AM
Hollow talk.
2 11
Baba Sunday, 18 August 2024 11:52 AM
Whether it’s hollow or full give them power and see
6 2
DOT Sunday, 18 August 2024 11:11 AM
Then how are you going to cover the cost ? Adding more tax on others ?
1 12
sachith Sunday, 18 August 2024 11:28 AM
Listen to his full story, VAT is removed from food, medicine, and school stationary etc only. Then he explains how to recover tax back to gov. If someone says country will go for bankruptcy again with these 3 tax removals, I dont know where do they live.
10 2
Terrence K Sunday, 18 August 2024 11:34 AM
What rubbish is this guy talking is he trying to lead the country down the precipice still further and prolong the agony of the next generation. Basic numbers the NPP do not understand the public purse is sustained by the taxes received from the public. For god's sake we do not want fellows who do not know the financial management of a country as we are in this predicament of bankruptcy because politicians of the past have given hand outs like this and now the public have to suffer exponentially!!!!!!
1 13
ANTON Sunday, 18 August 2024 11:42 AM
WILL WE HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL 2048 FOR ALL THESE THINGS.
2 0
Sugatha loan a Sunday, 18 August 2024 12:26 PM
SJB economic council has to answer this election 'promise' and explain their plan on taxing while removing the present heavy burden from people and find alternative ways to increase govt. income and foreign reserves.
0 2
Lakshman maddumahewa Sunday, 18 August 2024 12:31 PM
DEFINITELY ANOTHER debacle will very soon if this Guy elected. HE STIILL IMMATURE ON TAX COLLECTION TO GDP ratio our very low 9% compere to our neighbours. THE IMF Cleare to indicated no exemptions on tax collections.
1 4
Lakshman maddumahewa Sunday, 18 August 2024 12:31 PM
DEFINITELY ANOTHER debacle will very soon if this Guy elected. HE STIILL IMMATURE ON TAX COLLECTION TO GDP ratio our very low 9% compere to our neighbours. THE IMF Cleare to indicated no exemptions on tax collections.
0 3
Lakshman maddumahewa Sunday, 18 August 2024 12:31 PM
DEFINITELY ANOTHER debacle will very soon if this Guy elected. HE STIILL IMMATURE ON TAX COLLECTION TO GDP ratio our very low 9% compere to our neighbours. THE IMF Cleare to indicated no exemptions on tax collections.
2 6
Deepal Sunday, 18 August 2024 12:35 PM
And the offsetting income comes from their party supporters on an ongoing basis we presume. Ttaditionsl gallery politicians which the Aragalaya sought to purge.
1 4
Handun Sunday, 18 August 2024 01:45 PM
Whitewash black money stolen chanting Api-venuen-api, ethera/methera api.
0 0
Jagath Sunday, 18 August 2024 02:30 PM
So-called NPP policymakers
1 3
NO WAY NPP Sunday, 18 August 2024 02:56 PM
People say NPP/JVP has "educated" leaders so they will vote for them. The JVP were also "educated" university graduates back in the 1980s. But go look up recent history. How JVP killed thousands of innocent men and burned their bodies on steaks at roundabouts for public display. They also put tires around bodies and burned them. Men were dragged out of their homes and shot dead for defying JVP rules. At funerals, the coffin had to be carried below the pall bearers knees. Women and children were widowed orphaned and lost everything because their husband/father/son was killed or taken away by JVP and never came back. TV was banned. Lights had to be turned off at a certian time. Anyone can falsely report someone to the JVP and the JVP thugs would come for them. Any defiance or talk against them was banned and you don't know whom to trust because of snitches. I can go on and on. We lived through it. This is how JVP ruled. You want a repeat? Then vote NPP/JVP.
1 7
Corrupt country Sunday, 18 August 2024 07:02 PM
None of the candidate come out with a real economic plan for the country. All talk about reduce this and this before elections. And after election we have a bankrupt country. So what about reducing the corruption ? That will help
0 0
RanjithT Sunday, 18 August 2024 07:15 PM
Medicines and some food items are already exempted from VAT. Anyway loss of revenue should be compensated from other mechanisms. If not the same disaster during GOTA period will happen. To do it under NPP government means dissolution of the government having elections and establishing a NPP government. In any case there is no budget for 2025 and new president has to work on vote on accounts or the powers vested on president I believe for 3 months for manage the country with quite a number of restrictions.
0 1
tony Monday, 19 August 2024 07:49 AM
income generation from direct tax payers is less than 15%. How do you propose to generate direct taxes, if you are to take out VAT completely? Giving general comments about making the tax regime easier is not enough. There is a massive floating vote in this country, who will only vote based on the individual party policies and its application. Please explain this policy and its implementation.
0 0
C Fernando Monday, 19 August 2024 04:48 PM
Dear Anura, please tell us how you are going to find alternative funds to meet state expenditure and bridge the drop in revenue which will come from this move. Or will you reduce the bloated public sector to be able to manage with lower tax reve ue? I don't think your trade union buddies will be too happy with that! Easy to talk and make grand, populist promises when you're not in power, Anura. Let's see how you cope with the realities if you are elected.
0 0
Cecil Hedwige Tuesday, 20 August 2024 08:28 AM
What about the Duty on the bottle.Then the whole male and some female population will vote for you. Congratulations
0 0
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