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As Sri Lanka’s presidential election approaches, a growing trend is noticed in the number of misleading posts targeting Anura Kumara Dissanayake, the leader of the National People’s Power (NPP), an emerging political force. These campaigns aim to undermine his credibility and the NPP’s growing influence by spreading false or misleading information about his policies, statements, and personal actions.
Social Media Posts
Social media posts say Anura Kumara Dissanayake (AKD), leader of the National People’s Power (NPP), promised to remove all Value Added Taxes (VAT) from all items if he becomes president.
Some compare this with Gothabaya Rajapaksha era tax relief.
We decided to do a fact-check on it.
Fact-Check:
Upon careful observation of Anura Kumara’s recent speeches, it is evident that the claim does not accurately reflect what Dissanayake stated in one of his recent speeches.
During a political rally in Tangalle, Anura Kumara Dissanayake discussed removing Value-Added Tax (VAT) but did not state that VAT would be removed from all items under his government.
In his speech, Dissanayake addressed the VAT issue but did not suggest that he would remove it entirely from all goods and services.
He specifically mentioned removing VAT from health, education, and food items. The speech can be seen below.
Dissanayake’s promise focused on exempting VAT on essential items like health, education, and food rather than all items.
Below is another instance of Anura Kumara speaking about abolishing the VAT component in the above sectors.
However, several items are already VAT-exempt under current Sri Lankan regulations in the health, education, and food sectors. Details about it can be read here.
It’s also important to note that many products in these sectors are already exempt from VAT, and his proposal would likely continue or slightly expand these exemptions.
The misunderstanding may stem from past tax cuts by former president Gotabaya Rajapaksa, which included broad VAT reductions, leading to economic challenges for Sri Lanka.
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Conclusion:
The claim that Dissanayake promised to remove VAT from all items is false. He only committed to removing VAT from specific sectors, such as health, education, and food.
Title:Did Anura Kumara Dissanayake Promise to Remove VAT from All Items if Elected President?
Fact Check By: Fact Crescendo TeamResult: Misleading
