Harsha revs up in P’ment against racing car booty in Budget 2013

Friday, 16 November 2012 01:17 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

By Ashwin Hemmathagama

Our Lobby Correspondent

The controversial move allowing tax-free racing cars in Sri Lanka was brought into the limelight yesterday, with Opposition Legislator Dr. Harsha de Silva joining the Budget debate.

According to UNP Spokesman on Economic Affairs MP Dr. de Silva, the President’s move to allow a tax concession on racing cars will be a pacifier for the rich kids of politicians which is less than 0.1 per cent of the total population.

“Who wanted racing cars exempted from tax?” UNP MP asked the Government.

Recalling the days when the “majority ate from garbage cans” before President J.R. Jayawardene liberalised the economy policy and removed certain sanctions imposed by the previous Government, he said: “The economy should be developed with the increase of exports. Unless there is an increase of exports the economic development will not be available. Export and expose.”

Responding to an example cited by the Government wrongly identifying economist Ragnar Nurkse, MP de Silva said: “Ragnar Nurkse was an export pessimist and should not be identified wrongly.”

“Among the many speeches delivered during the past few days the only sensible was from Minister D.E.W. Gunasekara. He correctly identified the disparity of income and unequal distribution of wealth. Even if you take Buddhism, there is a teaching where wealth should be distributed among the poor. This is a Budget that is tailor made to cater to the needs of Ajith Devasurendra, Ajith Nivard Cabraal, and Nalaka Godahewa,” added Dr. De Silva.