Independent presidential candidate Ranil Wickremasinghe has unveiled his plan to ease the tax burden over the next two years by expanding the tax net. Addressing the “Puluwan Sri Lanka” public rally held today (30) at Ja Canal, Wickremasinghe promised significant tax relief through increased income and broader tax coverage.
“Some claim that even if there are issues in the country, reducing the price of goods and providing subsidies is the solution. We aim to expand the income base by bringing more people into the tax net. This will allow us to reduce taxes in the future. Once incomes rise, people will be able to pay taxes. We are committed to transparency and honesty over the next two years,” he stated.
Wickremasinghe also criticized rival candidate Sajith Premadasa’s proposals. He mocked Premadasa’s pledge to provide comfortable classrooms to 10,000 schools by finding 10,000 millionaires around the world to fund each school. “Will a millionaire from Romania take over the Ragama school or a millionaire from Argentina fund Galgamuwa? This idea is unrealistic. Are we expected to believe that millionaires will come to Sri Lanka to donate to our schools? If ambassadors fail to bring in funds, they will be dismissed. We lack even 50 embassies. It’s absurd to expect global millionaires to support local schools.”
Wickremasinghe questioned the feasibility of such grand promises and criticized Premadasa’s ability to govern effectively. He argued that while his own plan is grounded in reality, the opposition’s proposals are impractical and unrealistic. “See who speaks the truth and who delivers results. This isn’t just about my future; it’s about yours. We need practical solutions, not empty promises.”
Wickremasinghe concluded his speech by urging voters to consider the viability of the proposed solutions and the credibility of those offering them.
