SJB MP Rohini Kaviratne has highlighted the plight of maize farmers following a government decision to slash taxes on maize imports.
Speaking in parliament, she said many of the major tax frauds in recent times were linked to the import of goods, such as sugar, coconut
oil and fertilizers.
The latest is the maize scam, she said, alleging a person whom she referred to as ‘the Sena caterpillar in the agriculture ministry’ of being behind it.
More than 100,000 maize farmers will be affected by the reduction of the import tax from Rs. 75 to Rs. 25 per kg. purportedly to benefit the local poultry industry,
But, that will in turn affect the farmers and also cause a Rs. five billion loss to the state, said the MP.
Money from this scam is being used to hold the SLFP convention at a luxury hall in Colombo, a change of venue from the electorate of the party’s general secretary, added Kaviratne.
