Government's new tax policy a fatal blow to democracy, says Sajith Premadasa

A dangerous trend of linking tax administration with criminal offences is emerging due to the current Government's intense eagerness to surpass International Monetary Fund targets, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa states.

Premadasa mentioned this during a meeting held at the Opposition Leader's Office in Colombo with tax experts, businessmen, and other stakeholders related to the sector regarding tax administration.

The Government is preparing to treat non-compliance with tax conditions as a criminal offense, even if a person fails to meet them due to unintentional negligence, such as forgetfulness, illness, or being abroad, the Opposition Leader points out.

Collecting taxes through the threat of imprisonment is an anti-democratic act and a violation of fundamental and human rights, the Opposition Leader highlights.

This action by the government opposes democracy, violates fundamental and human rights, and creates fear within the business community, which seriously impacts the creation of new businesses, business expansion, and job creation, the Opposition Leader said.

The Judiciary is challenged and even the constitution is violated through these government provisions, whilst the concept of checks and balances and the separation of powers among the three main democratic institutions—the legislature, the executive, and the judiciary—are also violated, the Opposition Leader further said.