SJB asks how some unelected people threaten to use force on people for speaking out against unbearable taxes

In fear of facing the people who had been taxed to the hilt taking to the streets and expressing their displeasure, the government has resorted to issuing threats to imprison those who oppose and criticize taxes, says the main opposition SJB.

Addressing a press conference held at the Opposition Leader’s Office in Colombo, SJB Colombo District MP SM Marikkar said those who run the government now threaten to imprison people who speak against the taxes.

 “People have been taxed to the utmost. They have a right to talk about their plight because it is they who pay the taxes. Now people find that life is no longer possible under this regime because of the insurmountable taxes. Parents lament that they cannot buy books or shoes for their school going children. They who had been unable to have three meals a day now are wondering what to do with the latest price hikes caused by the taxes. As it is foreseeable that people who had been taxed to the hilt would take to streets, the government now is issuing threats that they should not talk about taxes,” Marikkar said.

“Economists in this government do not know any other way of increasing the state revenue than by increasing taxes on people. This government has done nothing to increase exports. It has no means to bring in foreign investment. It has not even learned from the past examples such as the way former President Ranasinghe Premadasa took quick steps to replenish the government coffers.

He set up garment factories to provide jobs and that programme helped the country to earn 19 million US dollars in foreign exchange. We cannot think of attracting foreign investments if this government is full of fraudsters and corrupt leaders continue to hold power. Foreign investments would not come when corrupt and frauds call the shots in an economy,” Marikkar said.He also said these unelected people are treating the country as if it is their inheritance.SLPP dissident MP Nalaka Godahewa also addressed the press.