Leader of the SLPP Mahinda Rajapaksa says that while his party is part of the government, whose incumbent head and the head of state is the leader of a different party with different policies.
In a statement, Rajapaksa notes that the new president successfully restored law and order to the country and that he is now directing government policy as the executive president.
In this vein, he, emphasised that currently, it is the SLPP’s primary duty to ensure a stable government until the next national elections.
Rajapaksa’s statement also focused on reducing the existing tax burden faced by the people, claiming that the revised Value Added Tax rates included in the budget is set to become a major political issue in 2024.
“The call to reduce taxes is based on solid economic principles. When taxes are low, both individuals and corporations have more money to spend and invest and this acts as a driver of the economy”, he said
The high tax burden has caused an exodus of educated and highly trained professionals from the country, he said.
Rajapaksa also urged all to pay special attention to tax policies and the economic practices of the political party they vote for during the upcoming elections, in a bid to ensure that the ‘mistakes’ made in 2015 will not be repeated.
“Whatever decision the people make at the next elections should be based on rational thinking, proper facts and correct data. We are still living through the consequences of January 2015 and this country cannot afford another mistake like that again,” he said.
