Confusion over new VAT Bill continues in Parliament

The confusion regarding the VAT (Amendment) Bill presented to Parliament on Tuesday continued today with Joint Opposition group lawmakers alleging that the Bill had not been tabled in the constitutionally stipulated manner.

JO MPs alleged that the VAT (Amendment) Bill which was published in the gazette has two dates, September 9 and 13 even though the Bill got the approval from the Cabinet of Ministers on Sept 12.

However, Acting Finance Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena said there was nothing irregular in the matter and tabled two letters from the Attorney General and the Government Printer with regard to the VAT draft bill.

He said the Government Printer has informed that the gazette is released on every Friday. If a need arises for a special gazette during the other days of the week, the Government Press would release an interim gazette. The interim gazette may have the two days mentioned, according to the Government Printer,” he said.

UPFA MP Bandula Gunawardena said that his contention is that the VAT bill had been gazette before it got the approval of the Cabinet.

Speaker Karu Jayasuriya said that if the Opposition lawmakers are not satisfied with the Minister S response, they can challenge the Bill in Court.