The main Opposition, the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), called on the Government to provide relief to the public and to increase the PAYE Tax threshold to Rs. 200,000. Addressing a media briefing, SJB MP, Eran Wickremaratne, said over 500,000 jobs were lost last year and more people are suffering from malnutrition as many families are forced to adjust their nutrition habits. Food insecurity and healthcare have emerged as serious issues, Wickremaratne said, adding this could impact children and their development.



“The Government is pushing middle income earners to become dependent on the Government. The state is handing out Rs. 5,000 a month and is making noises on the media, but that is not enough. By increasing the PAYE tax threshold to Rs. 200,000 the Government will only lose an estimated Rs. 4 billion. This amount cane be recovered by increasing the threshold of high-income earners. Under the current Government’s economic model, the haves have no issues at all, and the have-nots have nothing for their survival,” Wickremaratne said.

Wickremaratne stressed the Government should have listened to the suggestions made by the SJB and introduced a social protection and welfare scheme for lower incomes groups, to shield them and provide relief from hardships.

“Many people such as ordinary teachers, doctors, nurses, who earn income from their employment alone, cannot be prevented from losing their income due to these stupid actions of the Government and becoming dependent. There is a possibility of more people being pushed toward below the poverty line because of this.” he said.

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