The controversial Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill was approved by the House with 112 voting for and 46 against the Bill.
Several amendments moved to the Bill by Joint Opposition (JO) members meant to reduce the tax further from medical services were rejected by the Government.
Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake who took part in the debate earlier in the day said that government expects 1.8 billion rupee income this year from the revision of (VAT.
He said the Government had set as target Rs 10 billion as revenue from the VAT revision in 2016, but it was later reduced to Rs 6 billion when decision was taken to impose it after five months with effect fromMay 2.
He said VAT has been imposed on post and telecommunication, liquor and tobacco to exempt health and housing sectors and smart phones but the Government has exempted many essential goods from VAT.
(CK)
A Thai woman walking topless in Arugam Bay town has been arrested by the Police.
The Cabinet has approved a proposal for Sri Lankans overseas to apply for their passports through an online system via the Lankan diplomatic missions.
Ajith Gallage, the owner of a Bird Park in Nagarawawa, Hambantota, has been remanded over allegations of concealing illegally imported motorcycles, in a warehouse owned by him.
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