The Hon. (Dr.) Harshana Suriyapperuma - Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, we see the Opposition shedding crocodile tears for the people. Those who brought in Lamborghinis and changed tax policy to suit themselves and their families, who bankrupted the people’s taxes, now cry because EV excise was raised instead of imposing fair taxes on all vehicles. They have no right to say so. They saddled the country with the highest commercial‑rate borrowings in history. The results are that an enormous share of our recurrent spending goes to interest on those commercial loans. Without understanding the economy or caring for the people, they trapped the country in debt; now they oppose our efforts to get out of that trap.

¶ 02 An Hon. Member earlier tried to create a problem over registered vs. unregistered vehicles and the 85 percent rule. That is not due to this Government’s actions but existing law and regulations. At COPF today, officials explained it. Rather than enabling theft as past regimes did, we are framing policies to minimize leakages and maximize revenue. We will make necessary amendments to strengthen processes and secure the maximum due to the state.

¶ 03 Hon. Harsha de Silva said legacy loans are to be folded into the next tariff revision. I believe that is incorrect. Past debts must be recovered through a suitable mechanism — from the Treasury or from consumers — but through the least burdensome method for consumers. The Public Utilities Commission will analyse CEB data independently and, according to law and regulations, determine the appropriate path. That is the law. The Government will not interfere by force.