Colombo (News 1st): Speaking at a press briefing held at the Ministry of Finance, Minister Mangala Samaraweera noted that from cradle to grave, the people of this country expect to receive everything free of charge and the government provide everything free of charge as well.

He noted that the government provides free education, free health facilities, a free of charge university system and even Samurdhi benefits. He said the only small change was the carbon tax.

Minister Samaraweera noted that every time a new tax is introduced, the public says the government is charging tax on tax. “They say there is a tax charged when we purchase cigarettes, sugar, and dhal,” said the Minister.

He noted that his main target is to reduce the taxes on such products. The minister agreed that the salaries of ministers and MPs are paid through tax revenues, however, when considering the total expense, it is only a small percentage. He said such claims are made by those who speak of the economy but fail to settle bank loans.

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