The prices of all essential and non-essential commodities are soaring amid the growing economic crisis in the country. Reports claimed that the prices of commodities which used to go up by limited amounts have now surged even by 25 – 50 per cent at once.

Meanwhile, the value added tax (VAT) which was curbed to 08 per cent upon the coming of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in 2019 is reportedly being considered for a surge up to 15 per cent, leading to a possible second strike on the commodity prices.

Currently two top envoys of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) are in Sri Lanka offering a number of conditions to provide debt assistance to overcome the crisis.

The IMF’s first and foremost condition is to surge the Goods and Services Tax, which was reduced from 15 per cent to 08 per cent, back to 15 per cent, a mandatory requirement to be able to obtain a IMF-led debt facility.

The decision to exempt all services related to the Tourism Sector from the VAT in 2019 may also have to be reversed as per the terms of the IMF.

MIAP

Minister of Water Supply Vasudeva Nanayakkara has reportedly handed over his official residence and the official vehicle to the Ministerial Secretary, weeks after the anti-governmental ideologies appeared from the minor parties representing the SLPP-regime.

Nanayakkara stated that by doing so, he will be living in a private residence and using a vehicle given to him by his brother.

Following the dismissal of former Ministers Wimal Weerawansa and Udaya Gammanpila from the Cabinet, Nanayakkara decided to refrain from his ministerial duties and boycott the Cabinet sittings.

Accordingly, the Minister is of the view that it is not ethical to use the residence and the vehicle given to him by the government.

MIAP

Development officers islanwide have decided to take a trade union actions today (14) based on nine demands.

Accordingly, these officers will be going on sick leave, revealed Chief Secretary of the Development Officers’ Association Chandana Sooriyaarachchi.

All development officers on sick leave are due to stage protests in 17 districts, he added.

These demands include the removal of salary anomalies and the resolving of issues related to promotions and incentives.

MIAP

Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa has committed a breach of trust and therefore an action will be taken in this regard, said Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Tissa Attanayake, speaking to media yesterday (13).

This decision will be taken in view of the financial situation of the country, where as a number of factors, including failure to take any action to manage the crisis and failure to appear in Parliament to inform about the country’s economic situation, have been considered, the SJB MP revealed.

Accordingly, the Management Committee of the SJB will be taking an action in this regard, Attanayake added.

MIAP