SLFP Women’s Front Criticises Government Over Taxes and Governance

Speaking at a media briefing organised by the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) All-Island Women’s Front, its Chairperson Kumari Pathirage criticised the government and questioned its performance during its two years in office.

She said a new political “film” titled “Good for the Country – Two Years for the Government” was being staged around the country. She also questioned whether the President was now attempting to play the role of the Opposition that he had previously been accustomed to.

Pathirage further claimed that the President had expressed different views on the same matter at different locations and raised several other criticisms concerning the government.

Udeshi Gunaratne, Vice Chairperson of the Women’s Front, said political leaders should not place various forms of pressure on the public merely to retain political power. She said the government should understand the feelings and concerns of the people when making decisions.

Referring to the recently discussed taxes and charges affecting the music industry, she said Sri Lankan people had once been able to relax, have a drink and enjoy singing and music, but that even such forms of entertainment were now becoming difficult.

She questioned whether the government might eventually impose taxes on women’s breast milk as well, making the remark in criticism of what she described as the increasing tax burden on the public.