The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition
On the VAT (Amendment) Bill, Sajith Premadasa supported the continued operation of the Simplified VAT scheme for exporters until the export sector recovers from current difficulties. He warned that proposed 44 per cent US retaliatory tariffs from 9 April could seriously affect Sri Lankan exports and questioned the Government on whether a promised delegation had been sent, who was included, whom it met, and what outcomes were achieved. He also complained that Opposition attempts to raise proposals and concerns in Parliament were being interrupted.
Verbatim record (translated)
Machine-translated from Sinhala / Tamil / English¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Speaker, on the VAT (Amendment) Bill, I note the proposal to continue SVAT in support of exporters. Given the export sector’s severe challenges, we believe SVAT should continue until the sector strengthens.
¶ 02 I regret that when we try to present our views, we are heckled and obstructed in this House.
¶ 03 I also raise again: from 9 April, US retaliatory tariffs of 44 per cent on our exports are proposed. The world knew this trajectory once Donald Trump won—not only the Electoral College but the popular vote—and secured Senate and House majorities. His platform was “Make America Great Again” and he is implementing it. These retaliatory tariffs of 44 per cent will gravely harm Sri Lanka.
¶ 04 We were told delegations would be sent and not to worry. Today, when I asked who is on the delegation, when they went, whom they met, and the outcomes, more time is sought. Perhaps no delegation has gone. Even when we seek to suggest best practices, we are not allowed. When we spoke earlier, we were not heeded; we were interrupted. Now, as 44 per cent retaliatory tariffs loom, our…
Provenance
- Source
- Hansard, Wednesday, 9 April 2025 ·No. 1747807095041246 ·English daily/uncorrected Hansard
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Cite as: The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition. 10th Parliament, Parliament of Sri Lanka. Hansard, 9 April 2025. No. 1747807095041246. Politick, https://staging.politick.io/lk/speeches/3863