National Construction Association Chief says ready to face Govt. suppression

Wednesday, 10 January 2024 00:28 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

NCASL Chair Susantha Liyanaarachchi says community will continue to talk about VAT despite alleged threats issued by Sagala Ratnayaka
Questions how Govt. can justify collecting tax revenue from people amidst current economic circumstances
Demands more fair tax system for benefit of both businesses and people
Former NCASL Chair Susantha Liyanaarachchi

NCASL Chairman Susantha Liyanaarachchi

National Construction Association of Sri Lanka (NCASL) former Chairman Susantha Liyanaarachchi this week said the country’s business community is prepared to confront any potential measures of suppression by the Government.

His comments were prompted by a recent statement from the Senior Advisor to the President on National Security and Presidential Chief of Staff Sagala Ratnayaka, where the latter claimed the Government would take action against individuals spreading misinformation regarding the recent increase in the Value Added Tax (VAT).

“If the Government intends to enforce acts of suppression through laws, regulations, or various illicit means, we are fully prepared to confront them,” he said.

Addressing the escalating costs of essential food items, including vegetables, Liyanaarachchi raised concerns about the nation’s trajectory and questioned the fate of citizens’ nutritional requirements in such a scenario. “Can children be provided with a nutritional meal in this manner?” he asked.

He questioned whether Ratnayaka, without taking steps to control the prices of these items, is expecting people to remain silent amid the exorbitant costs of purchasing vegetables and fruits.

“Starting from 1 January, people are burdened with indirect taxes at 63% and direct taxes at 25%. Will our manufacturing economy sustain a market? Will our goods and services secure a market under these conditions?” he asked.

Liyanaarachchi highlighted that in the past two years alone, 1.5 million people have lost their jobs. He pointed out, “22% of businesses have collapsed, as reported by the Department of Census and Statistics. Education has suffered a setback, malnutrition is increasing. How can the Government justify collecting tax revenue from the people amidst these challenging circumstances?”

He noted that there is currently a mass exodus of both businesses and people due to these issues. He affirmed, “Discussions and public outcry will persist despite the threats until a fair tax system is implemented. We will not be deterred by the threats issued by Ratnayaka.” he said.