JVP to oppose move to impose tax on EPF and ETF

The Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) yesterday said it would vehemently oppose any alleged moves to impose taxes on Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) or Employees’ Trust Fund (ETF).

JVP Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake told journalists yesterday that the workforce must be given the privilege to enjoy the benefits of these funds in which they invested after years of work.

“The Government is currently eyeing to impose a 14% tax on these funds,” he claimed. Dissanayake however vowed to take all possible measures in a bid to prevent the Government from imposing the tax on the funds. “These funds are only under the guardianship of the Government. However, it incurred a loss to the tune of Rs.9.6 billion after the controversial bond scam,” Dissanayake claimed.  

Dissanayake also accused previous governments of misusing its authority to manipulate the Employees’ Trust Fund. “Previous governments invested money they received from these funds in bankrupt companies,” he charged.