Opposition leader slams government over new vehicle tax

Opposition Leader says the current government promised Vitz cars for 1.2 million rupees during the last election period, but instituted an additional 50% tax on vehicles today.

Sajith Premadasa made these remarks to the media after visiting the Chief of the Buddhist Clergy of Ruhunu Magampattuwa, Venerable Magama Mahanama Thera, at the Diyabandi Vihara in Pannegamuwa, Tissamaharama.

Statements by the Deputy Minister of Finance claiming vehicle prices will not rise due to this tax imposition are ridiculous, Premadasa said.

He stated that the government must manage the economy properly from the people's perspective instead of presenting such stories to the country, and added that the President, the government, and the 159 government MPs hold full responsibility for this situation.

Premadasa noted that the rupee is depreciating rapidly at a record rate against the US dollar.

He said that inflation and commodity prices soared because of this, causing the collapse of the entire life of the people.

The Opposition Leader highlighted that boosting export income, promoting tourism, and increasing foreign remittances and foreign direct investments remain essential to prevent the depreciation of the rupee.

He said that the current President, the Finance Minister, and the government lack a basic understanding of economic policies or economics, adding that the wrong decisions they make day by day cause great harm to the people.

He claimed that the government possessed the ability to prepare for these economic challenges a year ago when the Israeli, American, and Iranian military conflicts escalated.

He urged that the government must ensure it does not cut subsidies for the people who are under severe pressure due to rising commodity prices, but rather increase them further.