Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has criticised the Government’s proposed 185A clause, claiming it could unfairly criminalise ordinary citizens and small business owners over administrative tax-related mistakes.
In a statement, Premadasa said that people were “not angry about paying taxes,” but were frustrated by what he described as unfair treatment under the proposed law.
He alleged that delays in filing tax returns or issues related to tax registration could be classified as criminal offences under the clause. He warned that struggling small business owners could be treated in the same manner as individuals who deliberately evade millions in taxes.
“That is wrong,” Premadasa said.
The Opposition Leader further accused the Government of taking “the shortcut of criminalising ordinary people” instead of reforming and modernising the Inland Revenue Department and making tax compliance easier.
Premadasa also questioned the Government’s commitment to addressing corruption and financial crimes, asking why stronger action had not been taken against money laundering, financial fraud, and individuals accused of stealing public funds.
“Go after the corrupt. Punish real fraudsters hard. But do not weaponise the law against the common man,” he said.
He added that the Opposition would continue to oppose laws it believes are against “fairness, proportionality, and the constitutional rights of the people.”
