Protests over Finance Ministry’s tax cut on sugary drinks

Monday, 3 December 2018 00:36 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

AFP: Sri Lanka, on Saturday, slashed a tax on sugary drinks in a controversial reversal of an anti-diabetes policy that attracted immediate criticism.

The Finance Ministry ordered an immediate 40% reduction in the levy as part of a package of tax cuts launched by the disputed Government to win over public opinion as a bitter power struggle intensifies. But health campaigners and a former Minister condemned the move as damaging the fight against obesity and diabetes among young people. Sri Lanka has been gripped by a constitutional showdown between President Maithripala Sirisena and his sacked Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, who refuses to step down.

Sirisena’s nominee for Prime Minister, Mahinda Rajapaksa, has been making populist moves to win support for his Government which has been recognised only by China and Burundi.

The lower sugar tax came on top of reductions in fuel prices and income taxes this week.

Wickremesinghe’s administration, which was toppled on 26 October, had introduced the sweet tax – 50 cents on every gram of sugar in fizzy and fruit drinks – but the rate was slashed to 30 cents from Saturday.

The Health Ministry has said that 10% of the country’s 21 million population is affected by diabetes and another 20% were at risk of developing the condition.

Health lobbyist Dhanya Wijesuriya took to Twitter to slam the authorities for making sugary drinks cheaper.

“This is insane,” Wijesuriya said of the decision. “How self-serving. No vision,” he added.

Former Health Minister Rajitha Senaratne described the tax cut as “irresponsible”.

There was no immediate comment from Sirisena who last year warned international beverage makers that he would increase taxes unless they reduced sugar in their products.

Discover Kapruka, the leading online shopping platform in Sri Lanka, where you can conveniently send Gifts and Flowers to your loved ones for any event including Valentine ’s Day. Explore a wide range of popular Shopping Categories on Kapruka, including Toys, Groceries, Electronics, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Flower Bouquets, Clothing, Watches, Lingerie, Gift Sets and Jewellery. Also if you’re interested in selling with Kapruka, Partner Central by Kapruka is the best solution to start with. Moreover, through Kapruka Global Shop, you can also enjoy the convenience of purchasing products from renowned platforms like Amazon and eBay and have them delivered to Sri Lanka.