Former Member of Parliament Patali Champika Ranawaka has claimed that several companies which incurred expenses during President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s recent visit to China are now seeking tax concessions in return for their investments in Sri Lanka.
He pointed out that this development has become a significant factor contributing to the delay in the disbursement of the next tranche of funding from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which is reportedly reluctant to approve tax concessions for such investment companies.
Ranawaka further alleged that the President, who recently traveled to Vietnam, returned to Sri Lanka via a private jet. He remarked that in due course, the public will come to understand the nature of the tax concessions related to that trip as well.
He emphasized that individuals and companies do not typically support heads of state on international diplomatic visits without expecting returns, warning that the country may end up paying two to three times more in the future due to these arrangements.
Ranawaka made these remarks during his appearance on the Mark program, broadcast by Hiru TV.
