The opposition alleges the government of attempting to impose additional taxes and burden the public instead of providing relief at a time when citizens are suffering due to the COVID pandemic.
Speaking to media pertaining to the Extraordinary Gazette notification issued by the Ministry of Finance under the Special Commodity Levy Act yesterday, Parliamentarian Tissa Attanayake said taxes imposed on many essential items will lead to a rise in prices of products which results in the increase in cost of living.
MP Attanayake said taxes have been imposed on many essential items such as dried fish, dairy products, and salt.
The Parliamentarian conveyed his regret to those who had claimed that the newly appointed Minister of Finance Basil Rajapaksa as a saviour.
MP Attanayake said keeping the country open despite the recommendations of specialists and doctors will put the lives of the public at great risk.
He said a very dangerous environment has been created in the country adding the economy has also taken hits due to the COVID pandemic.
He said the rapid spread of the novel coronavirus and the increase in the death toll are concerning.
The Parliamentarian said doctors, medical experts and the World Health Organisation are of the opinion that the country must be locked down for few weeks in order to mitigate the pandemic
