SJB challenges Govt. on economic policies, taxation and corruption allegations 

• SJB MP Dr. Harsha de Silva accuses Govt. of breaking tax promises and misleading on debt restructuring 
• Claims Govt. backtracks on tax threshold increase from Rs. 100,000 to Rs. 200,000 undermining public trust 
• Says debt restructuring approach unclear despite claims of ending bankruptcy in December 2024
• Calls out policy contradictions, shifting to “far right” economic model 
• Opines electricity tariff cuts not delivered, credits Opposition and electricity-user groups for PUSCL reductions 
• Alleges fuel prices manipulated ahead of PC polls causing losses for CPC
• Raises concerns over 323 containers leaving Colombo port unchecked 
• Questions Secretary to President’s silence on Customs corruption despite expertise in subject 

The Main Opposition party, Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) yesterday launched a scathing critique of the Government’s economic policies, tax plans and handling of corruption allegations, accusing it of failing to deliver on key election promises. 

Speaking at a media conference, SJB MP Dr. Harsha de Silva accused the administration of backtracking on tax commitments, misleading the public on debt restructuring and failing to address high-profile corruption cases. 

He pointed to the Government’s tax U-turn and economic strategy. 

He claimed that the official has repeatedly promised to increase the tax threshold from Rs. 100,000 to Rs. 200,000 — only to later deny ever making such a pledge.

“This has undermined public trust in the administration’s economic policies,” he argued.

Dr. de Silva questioned the Government’s approach to debt restructuring, citing President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s recent statement that there were two possible ways forward — restructuring debt or attempting to revive the economy without it.  He emphasised that while the Government now claims to have lifted the country out of bankruptcy as of 21 December, it has yet to clarify how its economic strategy will materially improve conditions for the public. 

Dr. de Silva questioned whether this reversal signals a lack of coherent policy making by the Government.

Turning to energy policy, he lambasted the Government for failing to deliver on its promise to cut electricity tariffs by 33%. 

He credited Opposition pressure and advocacy from electricity-user groups for promoting the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka’s (PUCSL) recent tariff reduction announcement.

On fuel pricing, Dr. de Silva alleged that the Government is artificially keeping prices unchanged to the upcoming Provincial Council polls, resulting in a Rs. 20 per litre loss. 

With the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) holding a 55% market share, he warned that this price manipulation is creating losses that could ultimately translate into higher taxation elsewhere, particularly through the sharp increase in vehicle taxes. 

Beyond economic concerns, the SJB lawmaker raised serious allegations of corruption, specifically regarding the 323 shipping containers that reportedly left Colombo Port without inspection. 

“This is not just an isolated scandal but symptomatic of systemic corruption within Sri Lanka Customs operations,” he described.

In a pointed remark, he claimed that the Secretary to the President — an individual with expertise in investigating Customs corruption has remained silent on the issue.

Given his previous role in advising the World Customs Organisation on anti-corruption matters, Dr. de Silva questioned why no action was taken and whether political interference was at play. 

“The Government came to power promising to eradicate corruption. Yet, it remains silent on this glaring scandal,” he alleged.

The SJB lawmaker accused the Government of contradicting its socialist rhetoric by adopting what he described as a “far-right” economic program.

He noted that the National People’s Power (NPP), which once opposed the Economic Transformation Act, even challenging it in the Supreme Court— has now embraced it as part of its economic vision.