JVP cries foul over slashing import duty

COLOMBO (News1st): The Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) has accused the government of slashing import taxes to favour a private entity that imported sugar and coconut oil. JVP Propaganda Secretary Tilvin Silva said that the importer had initially benefitted as the Special Commodity Levy on sugar was slashed from Rs 50 to 25 cents. He claimed that the importer had sold sugar at Rs 130 a kilo after importing the commodity under a low tax. "Although the voters have been neglected, the president has ensured that the businesses that supported him are being treated properly," Silva remarked. He pointed out that the government had slashed the special commodity levy on imported coconut oil by Rs 50, before raising the rate after the import was made. "The government has suffered losses amounting to billion of rupees, due to the scandals that have taken place in the importation of sugar and coconut oil," the JVP Propaganda Secretary noted.