Samagi Jana Balawegaya MP S.M Marrikkar says his party will work towards defeating the government's proposed tax reforms. He said the party would vote against the proposed tax hikes in parliament. “As representatives of the people, we cannot vote for these exorbitant tax hikes at a time when the price of goods have increased significantly. We will not vote for these proposed tax percentages,” he said.

The MP, who is also the media spokesman of the SJB made these comments at a press conference held at the Opposition leader’s office in Colombo yesterday.

“When Gotabaya Rajapaksa reduced taxes we pointed out that this was an incorrect decision and that it would negatively affect the economy. Therefore the SJB believes taxes must be increased. But any increase must be fair and reasonable.” he said.

According to the MP, the people are not able to bear these proposed taxes. “As the Minister of Finance, the President must reduce these proposed percentages. If not we will block this from being passed in parliament.” he said. The MP also warned the party will ensure the country’s middle class takes to the streets in protest if the President fails to heed their calls. He accused the President of attempting to increase government revenue by placing an increased tax burden on the people and also by selling government assets. “It does not appear the government is currently formulating a long-term plan with a particular aim for the purpose of increasing revenue,” he noted.

Marikkar proposed the government must look into other alternative revenue-making methods such as the promotion of medical tourism in Sri Lanka and the ICT sector. “Instead of a proper plan, President Wickremesinghe is attempting to address the country’s issues through a short-term solution that heavily burdens the country’s people,” he said.

Samagi Jana Balawegaya, organiser of the Kegalle district Lakshman Dissanayake was arrested on Thursday (1) evening under the suspicion of shooting his personal secretary dead.

According to sources, the deceased identified as 36-year-old Sakunthala Weerasinghe from Kamburugala had also been in a long time relationship with Dissanayake. Relatives claim the duo have been involved in several altercations recently over the woman’s impending marriage to another.

The body of the woman with gunshot injuries was discovered inside the Party Office building of Lakshman Dissanayake.

The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) has proposed a dole or a government allowance be provided to the lower income classes affected by the recent electricity tariff hike. Proposing the measure, SJB MP S.M Marikkar said “The underprivileged and lower income classes cannot bear the hike along with the water tariff hike as their income will not increase. We, therefore, propose a dole be given out” he said. According to Marikkar when hiking tariffs the government must make a note of the manner in which the people are living today.

He made these comments at the adjournment debate held in parliament yesterday on the recent electricity tariff hike.

Listing out all the issues faced by the people due to the economic crisis Marikkar said it was in such a scenario that the government is seeking to increase the tariffs.

“The government is blaming the hike on high production costs. One of the main reasons behind the excessive electricity production costs is corruption and overstaffing. Who provided employment in excess? It happened during the Mahinda Rajapaksa regime. Corruption of officials such as when purchasing power from private firms is also a reason, '' the SJB MP added.

A possible imminent rift within the Sri Lanka Podujana Party (SLPP) is being reported. Accordingly, sources say the group led by MP Dullas Alahapperuma will split from the main SLPP and is set to function independently. 

It is also reported another SLPP faction will join hands with the United National Party (UNP) in the coming days. 

Meanwhile, it is also claimed the group led by Dullas Alahapperuma has decided to form a new political movement together with several political parties and groups. Political sources stated that the group led by Alahapperuma is currently in discussions with groups led by Wimal Weerawansa, Anura Priyadarshana Yapa and Patali Champika Ranawaka.

According to sources within the Dullas Alahapperuma group, this step has been taken to end nepotism and revolutionism to create a reformist political movement.

Meanwhile, sources said that many ministers who are with the government are preparing to join the UNP in the near future.

It is reported that MPs joining the government from Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna, Samagi Jana Balawegaya and Sri Lanka Freedom Party, as well as several people who left the government and became independent MPs in the recent past, are now prepared to join the UNP.

It is stated that this group will include several people who are currently representing the Cabinet.