A future SJB government will make major companies settle their loans: Sajith

By Yohan Perera   

Whilst being critical on the proposed imputed rental income tax on houses and properties, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa over the weekend said a future Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) government will cancel debt moratoriums given to major companies as a result of political influence.   

“An era of settling loans will dawn before the end of the year when an SJB government comes to power,” Mr. Premadasa said at a public gathering in Kurunegala.   

“I raised a question in Parliament recently and wanted the government to reveal the names of companies and individuals who have defaulted their loans and those who have given moratoriums as a result of political influence. However, the Finance Minister stated that these name cannot be revealed,” he said.   

“We have heard that a new tax has been proposed by IMF. This new tax comes as a result of the agreement signed by the government with IMF. The new imputed rental income tax is to be introduced to increase state revenue. However, there are means on increasing revenue. These include cancelling debt moratoriums given to companies under political influence and getting more companies who evade taxes into the tax net. The agreement with IMF does not seem to be a people centred one. Working with the IMF is practical. The issue today is that the government fails to think about the general public. Therefore the agreement with IMF should be amended. This will be done by a future SJB government,” he added.   

“One wonders why the government is discriminating people. Large companies are given debt moratoriums because of political influence. However, the general public are pressured by taxes,” he also said.   

He said discrimination is visible in schools as well. The Government provides mid-day meals to only children in grade one to five. Children studying in higher grades are being deprived of this benefit.