Government Reaches Agreement with IMF to Revise PAYE tax Policy

Government Pledges to Provide Public Relief and Safeguard the Economy
Economic Collapse Could Threaten People’s Livelihoods
Sajith and Anura Urged to Explain Their Economic Plans Amid Calls for
Lower Taxes and Higher Spending
The Path Advocated by Sajith and Anura Could Lead to Shortages of Gas,
Fuel, Medicine, Food
Citizens Must Choose Between Returning to 2022 Conditions or
Supporting the Current Government
- President says in Eheliyagoda

President Ranil Wickremesinghe announced that the government has reached an
agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to revise the Pay As You Earn
(PAYE) tax, a significant concern for the public. He assured that following further
discussions, relief measures would be implemented as soon as possible. The President
made these remarks while addressing the "Puluwan Sri Lanka" victory rally held near
the new market in Eheliyagoda this afternoon (28).

The rally, organized to affirm President Wickremesinghe's candidacy in the upcoming
presidential election, saw a large turnout from the Eheliyagoda area. During his speech,
the President emphasized the government's awareness of the challenges faced by the
citizens and stressed the importance of providing relief while safeguarding the country's
economy. He warned that if the economy were to collapse, there would be no country
left for people to live in.

Furthermore, the President criticized Sajith Premadasa and Anura Kumara Dissanayake
for making unrealistic promises about reducing taxes and easing the people's burdens.
He cautioned that following their proposed path could lead to severe shortages, leaving
the public once again without essential supplies such as gas, fuel, and medicine.
Expressing his views further the President said;

I have previously visited Eheliyagoda and held meetings where the focus was often on
blaming and criticizing one another. However, today, we stand united on the same
platform, having chosen to come together to save our country.

When we faced a crisis with shortages of gas, medicine and financial resources, we
worked collectively to rebuild the nation. Unfortunately, the Jana Balawegaya, led by
my friend Mr. Anura Kumara Dissanayake, and the Samagi Jana Balawegaya, led by
my former deputy Mr. Sajith Premadasa, chose not to join us. They accused us of
coming together for personal gain. This highlights a fundamental difference between
us: while they prioritize their party interests, we remain committed to the country and
its people.

I am running in this year's presidential election to seek a public mandate to continue the
efforts we have made over the past two years to rebuild the country. There are two main
political forces in this country, and although they may move quickly, they fail to grasp
the struggles of the people. In contrast, we understand these struggles, which is why we
have worked to stabilize the economy. Over the last two years, we have systematically
reduced prices and provided relief to the public. However, we recognize that the people
deserve even more support. This additional relief can only be achieved by strengthening
the rupee and gradually advancing the economy.

With the appreciation of the rupee, the cost of goods can be reduced, allowing us to
provide relief to the people. This is the path we must follow. Currently, income tax has
become a significant issue. We have reached an agreement with the International
Monetary Fund (IMF) on the need to revise it, and I can confirm that a basic decision
has already been made. Both parties have submitted proposals, and once we have
discussed and agreed on a common approach, we will be able to provide relief to the
public

.
As President, my mandate is to strengthen the country's economy and reduce the cost of
living for our citizens. We aim to provide relief through tax reforms and cost-of-living
adjustments. Additionally, we are focused on creating employment opportunities for
young people and accelerating Sri Lanka's development to build a robust economy. I
will outline this vision in my manifesto, which will be presented tomorrow.
Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Sajith Premadasa have recently claimed that they will
reduce taxes and provide relief to the public. However, we must ask: is it truly possible
to lower taxes and still offer relief? Lowering taxes would decrease government
revenue, making it difficult to manage expenses and potentially increasing inflation.
If revenues decline while expenses rise, the economy risks collapsing again. Therefore,
Mr. Dissanayake and Mr. Premadasa must explain how they intend to sustain the
economy under these conditions. People need to recognize that the path they propose
could lead to a situation where essential resources, such as gas, fuel, and medicine, are
unavailable. I urge everyone to consider this carefully.

MP Akila Ellawala

At the start of every election, we often emphasize its importance. However, this year’s
Presidential Election is more critical than any previous one. Some suggest that even if
someone else comes to power, their tenure will last only six months, after which
President Ranil Wickremesinghe will need to assume leadership again.
Two years ago, the country faced severe challenges with queues everywhere, leading to
widespread struggles and agitation. We cannot afford on-going disruptions, especially
when it comes to our children’s education. Therefore, I urge you to vote wisely and not
be swayed by social media posts or the number of flags on display.

MP Mudita Soysa

State Minister Janaka Vakkambura

Minister Dr. Ramesh Pathirana

MP Rohitha Abegunawardhana;

Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi;