Govt., Opposition clash over alleged bid to tax EPF

By Saman Indrajith

Chief Government Whip and Highways Minister Johnston Fernando told Parliament yesterday that there was a cold war within the SJB for the Opposition Leader’s post.

“Incumbent Opposition Leader is so upset and is trying to prove his relevance as other members in his party see a better and qualified leader in Patali Champika Ranawaka. Owing to this pressure, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has lost control of his mind and speaks whatever comes to his mind,” Minister Fernando said.

He said so during a heated debate that ensued in Parliament yesterday following Opposition Leader Premadasa, asking the government to withdraw a gazette announcing the Surcharge Tax Bill, which seeks to tax the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF).

Opposition Leader Premadasa said that the new Bill was a government plan to help itself to workers’ savings.

The Opposition Leader making a special statement demanded to know the government’s position with regard to the decline of usable foreign reserves to US $ 700 million. He questioned the measures taken by the Finance Ministry to contain the rising cost of goods, reasons for high inflation, among other key economic issues. He asked whether the Minister of Finance Basil Rajapaksa had requested a report on the financial situation under Financial Bill no 58 of 1948. He questioned the gazette notification issued on Monday 07 February 2022, according to which the government proposes a 25 percent tax on EPF. The Opposition Leader insisted that the government should answer his question.

Minister Fernando said that the government would not be able to reply to the gossip spread by the Opposition Leader.

“Opposition Leader Premadasa has come up with gossip. However, the Finance Minister will answer all questions he has raised in writing on another date,” he said.

Opposition Leader Premadasa:

“I only raised concerns about the financial crisis and never gossip.”

Presiding Member Deputy Chairman of Committees Angajan Ramanathan

said that the government would respond to the latter’s questions later. “The Leader of Opposition, the government will answer your question on another day,” he said.

Opposition Leader Premadasa:

“What nonsense is this? I raised pertinent questions which should be answered.”

Presiding Member Angajan Ramadanan:

The government will respond. I cannot allow more time than this. The Opposition Leader is not confining himself to the topic and then the government opposes that. This cannot go on.

SJB MP Dr Harsha de Silva

said that the government was trying to take over the workers’ savings.

SJB MP Kabir Hashim

also said that the government should provide an answer to the questions raised by his leader, and the Chief Government Whip had no brains.

Opposition Leader Premadasa:

I need a microphone. The Finance Minister is not in the House.

Chief Government Whip Fernando:

The Finance Minister and State Minister both are attending another function. We will respond to your questions soon.

Opposition Leader Premadasa:

According to parliamentary tradition, when the Opposition Leader is on his feet, his microphone should be on. But mine has been switched off.

Chief Government Whip Fernando:

We have clearly stated that we would respond. MP Hashim said I have no brains. But the capacity of the brains of those in the Opposition was shown when they had to lose power in four and half years. The Opposition Leader is scared that he would lose his post to Champika Ranawaka.