Mahinda Rajapaksa Makes Public Statement Advocating for Lower Taxes

Former President and current leader of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), Mahinda Rajapaksa, issued a media release today calling for a reduction in income taxes. He argues that the current high tax burden is hurting the economy and driving out skilled professionals.

Key Points of Rajapaksa’s Statement:

• Calls for tax reduction: Rajapaksa emphasizes the importance of lower taxes for stimulating economic growth. He cites his government’s success between 2006 and 2014 as an example, attributing the nine-year boom to low tax policies.
  
• Criticizes high tax regime: He blames the economic downturn after 2015 on the adoption of a high tax regime by the subsequent government. He emphasizes the decline in GDP and rise in foreign debt during this period.
• Addresses propaganda: Rajapaksa dismisses claims that his low tax policy benefited cronies, explaining that exemptions were granted through legal frameworks for specific development projects.
• Highlights current situation: He acknowledges the ongoing protests by professionals demanding tax relief and attributes it to the economic struggles caused by high taxes.
• Clarifies SLPP’s role: Rajapaksa clarifies that while the SLPP is part of the government, the current President holds different policies. He emphasizes the SLPP’s priority of maintaining stability until the next elections.