Kiriella warns of fallout of middle class economic woes

Claims elections are the answer

The worsening economic hardships of the middle class people will pave the way for unforeseen repercussions that could end up in social disturbances and violence, warns the main Opposition SJB.

Addressing the media at the Opposition Leader’s office, in Colombo, Chief Opposition Whip and Kandy District SJB MP Lakshman Kiriella said that people of the middle class found it extremely difficult to make ends meet. “They have fallen from the frying pan into the fire. They cannot cope with the economic hardships. The government is increasing taxes and tariffs. There is no end to the introduction of new taxes. Not even the rich can afford these exorbitant taxes.”

Kiriella said the government had lined up a series of new taxes and wanted to get the approval of Parliament for some of them. “They did not discuss these taxes with us. However, they make speeches seeking our support. How could we support them when their intentions are not genuine? They are driven by political expediency. These taxes are one of the results of the secret talks the government had with the IMF. We have been asking for months now for the government to make the agreement with the IMF public. The new taxes will have a devastating impact on the export sectors and the working class.”

Kiriella said an election had to be held soon so that the people who were capable of managing the economy could take over the reins of government.