Opposition MDP Parliamentary Group Leader Ibrahim Nazil has raised concerns over the government's recent decision to increase taxes, questioning the real benefits of such a move for the people.
At a rally held at the MDP office yesterday, Nazil addressed the government's plan to raise the Tourism Goods and Services Tax (TGST) to 17 percent and increase the green tax from $6 to $1. He highlighted that these tax hikes are expected to generate MVR 963 billion in revenue for next year, with projections of MVR 1.2 billion by 2026.
Nazil expressed his skepticism about how the additional revenue would be used, suggesting that the funds would be directed to Raju, a contractor responsible for dredging Fushidhiggaru lagoon rather than benefiting the public. Reclaiming Fushidhiggaru Lagoon, began on December 18 last year. The project has been commissioned to a company called Capital Marine and Investment Company (CMC). CMC is owned by Sivarajah Manivannan, a British citizen of Sri Lankan descent, better known as Raju
Nazil criticized the government's priorities, stating that this was just the tax increase they wanted and that the money would not benefit the public but rather Raju. He emphasized that he disagreed with this decision.
Nazil also pointed out that while the economy is growing at a rate of 4.3 percent, the government lacks the competence to manage the revenue generated from these tax increases effectively. He noted that the government’s inability to handle funds properly is a key issue, which could lead to mismanagement and further inefficiency in addressing the nation's needs.
The debate over the tax hikes comes amid growing concerns from various quarters about the government's fiscal policies and their potential impact on both the economy and the public.
At a rally held at the MDP office yesterday, Nazil addressed the government's plan to raise the Tourism Goods and Services Tax (TGST) to 17 percent and increase the green tax from $6 to $1. He highlighted that these tax hikes are expected to generate MVR 963 billion in revenue for next year, with projections of MVR 1.2 billion by 2026.
Nazil expressed his skepticism about how the additional revenue would be used, suggesting that the funds would be directed to Raju, a contractor responsible for dredging Fushidhiggaru lagoon rather than benefiting the public. Reclaiming Fushidhiggaru Lagoon, began on December 18 last year. The project has been commissioned to a company called Capital Marine and Investment Company (CMC). CMC is owned by Sivarajah Manivannan, a British citizen of Sri Lankan descent, better known as Raju
Nazil criticized the government's priorities, stating that this was just the tax increase they wanted and that the money would not benefit the public but rather Raju. He emphasized that he disagreed with this decision.
Nazil also pointed out that while the economy is growing at a rate of 4.3 percent, the government lacks the competence to manage the revenue generated from these tax increases effectively. He noted that the government’s inability to handle funds properly is a key issue, which could lead to mismanagement and further inefficiency in addressing the nation's needs.
The debate over the tax hikes comes amid growing concerns from various quarters about the government's fiscal policies and their potential impact on both the economy and the public.
