Special Projects Minister Dr. Sarath Amunugama said although the government has imposed certain increased taxes on the people in the 2017 Budget, it will not impose such taxes in the future because its objective is to systematically reduce taxes with the passage of time.
“Taxes were increased this year to overcome the heavy tax burden imposed on the country by the previous regime but once the expected revenue was earned to cover up government expenditure, the need to raise taxes will not arise during future budget proposals,” the minister said.
Dr. Amunugama was addressing a meeting at the Hataraliyadda Sarath Amunugama Conference Centre on December 4 to mark the inauguration of the Galagedara SLFP Bala Mandalaya.
He said the government was able to generate income necessary for the 2017 Budget proposal.
“China has agreed to provide US $ 1.1 billion for the Hambantota Port City Project and US $ 500 million for the development of the Mattala Airport,” the minister said.
He said former President Mahinda Rajapaksa willingly handed over the SLFP chairmanship to President Maithripala Sirisena after the presidential election.
“Even the members of the Joint Opposition were privy to this decision taken by Rajapaksa,” he said.
“But after doing so, the former President was now trying to pull President Sirisena by his legs and obstruct his efforts to strengthen the SLFP. The former President is aided and abetted by three wheel parties and people like Wimal Werawansa who could not enter Parliament by contesting under his own party symbol,” Dr. Amunugama said.