The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees

¶ 01 The SVAT scheme granted to exporters will be abolished from the 1st of next month. How do we ensure exporters receive refunds within 45 days? Exporters fear they will not receive them, which would create cash flow problems and seriously hinder their export operations. As my speaking time is constrained, that is my one request.

¶ 02 Under IMF fiscal reforms, investments in the Port City can receive tax exemptions. That is a good achievement we fought for. But we must extend similar incentives to other areas where appropriate, particularly to free trade zones, to encourage exports as much as possible. When we speak about our economy, we should not politicize or color it. What we need is not to paint the economy with party colors, but to strengthen it beyond party differences. We should adopt such policies swiftly to promote these activities.

¶ 03 Hon. Nandana Millagala, MP. You have ten minutes.

¶ 04 [2.32 p.m.]