(VIDEO) JVP's Vijitha Herath explains the Sugar Scam

Colombo (News 1st); JVP's Vijitha Herath alleged the government's move to reduce taxes for the benefit of one businessman is a crime committed against the people.

Speaking on Sirasa TV's Satana Program on Tuesday (23), MP Vijith Herath quoting documents from Sri Lanka Customs said on the 13th of October 2020 there were 10,147 MT of sugar in stock and over 8000 MT of sugar belongs to Pyramid Wilmar Pvt Ltd. He said 39% of sugar imports to the country came from Pyramid Wilmar Pvt Ltd adding the maximum benefit of reducing the tax to 25 cents was enjoyed to Sajjad Mawzoon and it was never received by the state or the people. Despite the import tax being reduced, the market price for a kilogram of sugar remained north of Rs. 125/-, alleged MP Herath while the Consumer Affairs Authority issued a directive to sell a kilogram of sugar for Rs. 85/-. He went on to note Sathosa then made multiple purchases from Pyramid Wilmar Pvt Ltd, a kilogram priced between Rs. 122/- & Rs. 127/-, to sell sugar at Rs. 85/- per kilogram, as no other outlet sold sugar for that price. MP Vijitha Herath went on to note all the other importers could not sell sugar for Rs. 85/- per kilogram as they all imported sugar for the Rs. 50/- import tax. He alleged the tax reduction was done on purpose by the government to benefit of Pyramid Wilmar Pvt Ltd adding the Chairman of the Consumer Affairs Authority had told a parliamentary body that the gazette on the price reduction was released after receiving a letter on the matter from the Presidential Secretariat. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G6Wu12asg_c[/embed]