As the first parliament of the new year begins today at 9 am under the chairmanship of Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, the MPs of the opposition, Samagi Jana Balawega (SJB) have come to the Parliament meeting today dressed in black.
They have come to protest against the government’s increase in VAT from January 1 this year.
Opposition Leader Mr. Sajith Premadasa and other SJB MPs have come dressed in black to condemn the increased value added tax (VAT) and the rising cost of living.
SJB MPs recently accused the government of being insensitive to the plight of the common people.
With an increase from 15% to 18% on certain products and services and the reintroduction of VAT on previously untaxed items, there are growing concerns about rising costs for families already struggling with an economic downturn.
