Hundreds march in crisis-hit Sri Lanka protesting tax hikes, crackdowns | The Business Standard
Skip to main content
  • Home
  • Economy
    • Aviation
    • Banking
    • Bazaar
    • Budget
    • Industry
    • NBR
    • RMG
    • Corporates
  • Stocks
  • Analysis
  • World+Biz
  • Sports
  • Features
    • Book Review
    • Brands
    • Earth
    • Explorer
    • Food
    • Habitat
    • In Focus
    • Luxury
    • Mode
    • Panorama
    • Pursuit
    • Wheels
  • Epaper
    • GOVT. Ad
  • More
    • Subscribe
    • Videos
    • TBS Graduates
    • Thoughts
    • Splash
    • Bangladesh
    • Supplement
    • Infograph
    • Archive
    • COVID-19
    • Long Read
    • Interviews
    • Offbeat
    • Tech
    • Magazine
  • বাংলা
The Business Standard

Sunday
December 03, 2023

Sign In
Subscribe
  • Home
  • Economy
    • Aviation
    • Banking
    • Bazaar
    • Budget
    • Industry
    • NBR
    • RMG
    • Corporates
  • Stocks
  • Analysis
  • World+Biz
  • Sports
  • Features
    • Book Review
    • Brands
    • Earth
    • Explorer
    • Food
    • Habitat
    • In Focus
    • Luxury
    • Mode
    • Panorama
    • Pursuit
    • Wheels
  • Epaper
    • GOVT. Ad
  • More
    • Subscribe
    • Videos
    • TBS Graduates
    • Thoughts
    • Splash
    • Bangladesh
    • Supplement
    • Infograph
    • Archive
    • COVID-19
    • Long Read
    • Interviews
    • Offbeat
    • Tech
    • Magazine
  • বাংলা
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 03, 2023
Hundreds march in crisis-hit Sri Lanka protesting tax hikes, crackdowns

Global Economy

Reuters
02 November, 2022, 09:10 pm
Last modified: 02 November, 2022, 09:14 pm

Related News

  • US proposes EV Tax credit rules to curb Chinese inputs
  • Tax regime in Bangladesh: An evaluative essay
  • New income tax law has some flaws: NBR chairman
  • NBR's revenue shortfall widens further, hitting Tk4,000cr in Oct
  • Low tax-GDP ratio: Reluctant taxpayers, faulty structure

Hundreds march in crisis-hit Sri Lanka protesting tax hikes, crackdowns

Reuters
02 November, 2022, 09:10 pm
Last modified: 02 November, 2022, 09:14 pm
FILE PHOTO: Protesters shout slogans at an anti-government rally, amid the country's economic crisis, in Colombo, Sri Lanka, August 6, 2022. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: Protesters shout slogans at an anti-government rally, amid the country's economic crisis, in Colombo, Sri Lanka, August 6, 2022. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon/File Photo

Hundreds of people marched in Sri Lanka's largest city Colombo on Wednesday protesting against higher taxes, inflation and alleged state-led repression as the country struggles to emerge from its worst financial crisis in seven decades.

The anti-government protest, jointly organized by opposition political parties, trade unions and civil society groups, was blocked by police as marchers attempted to reach a central part of the city where the president's house and other ministries are located.

"People can barely eat three meals a day and this government has done nothing to support people other than impose more and more taxes. We need solutions and we will keep fighting for them," Ceylon Teacher's Union Secretary Joseph Stalin said.

The Business Standard Google News Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel

Sri Lanka has been gripped by a deep financial crisis this year caused by record-low foreign exchange reserves that has left the island of 22 million people struggling to pay for essential imports including fuel, food, cooking gas and medicine.

Widespread protests in July resulted in former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa fleeing the country and resigning after protesters stormed his office and residence.

His successor President Ranil Wickremesinghe will be presenting his first budget on 14 Nov that is likely to include steep tax increases and other reforms to put the country's tattered economy back on track and get approval from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a $2.9 billion bailout.

However, increased taxes, which will include corporate and personal income taxes hiked to a high of 30%, coming on top of soaring inflation that hit 66% in October, is triggering public discontent.

Protesters carrying national and black flags shouted slogans of "Ranil go home," during the march and called for new elections. They also accused the government of using draconian anti-terrorism legislation to crack down on protest leaders and jail two of them.

"Everyone must be within the law. That is democracy. But this government has been using anti-terrorism laws to repress protest leaders and this must be stopped," said main opposition Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) senior member Eran Wickramaratne.

"Everyone must stand up against this government. We have to fight for our rights."

Top News / World+Biz / South Asia / Sri Lanka Crisis

Sri Lanka / tax / Protests

Comments

While most comments will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive, moderation decisions are subjective. Published comments are readers’ own views and The Business Standard does not endorse any of the readers’ comments.

Top Stories

  • Remittances up by 21% to $1.93b in November as banks offer higher prices to expatriates
    Remittances up by 21% to $1.93b in November as banks offer higher prices to expatriates
  • A logo of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
    Foreign ministry clarifies Facebook post on election, BNP
  • AL seeks Election Commission's permission for 10 Dec rally
    AL seeks Election Commission's permission for 10 Dec rally

MOST VIEWED

  • Representative image
    5.5 magnitude earthquake jolts Dhaka, parts of country
  • Cox's Bazar Express started its first journey from Cox's Bazar to Dhaka at 12:40pm on Friday (1 December). Photo: Nupa Alam
    Man crushed by Cox's Bazar Express on debut journey
  • Representative image
    BCS admin cadres' organisation forays into luxury hotel business
  • Will Bangladeshi garment exporters be able to meet EU's upcoming standards?
    Will Bangladeshi garment exporters be able to meet EU's upcoming standards?
  • 5 renewable power projects on cards to counter global fuel price surge
    5 renewable power projects on cards to counter global fuel price surge
  • Collage of the Android Earthquake Alerts System screenshots posted on the social media on Saturday, 2 December 2023
    Here’s how your Android phone alerts you of an earthquake

Related News

  • US proposes EV Tax credit rules to curb Chinese inputs
  • Tax regime in Bangladesh: An evaluative essay
  • New income tax law has some flaws: NBR chairman
  • NBR's revenue shortfall widens further, hitting Tk4,000cr in Oct
  • Low tax-GDP ratio: Reluctant taxpayers, faulty structure

Features

Designed for utility, the D90 is a giant in comparison to other MG models and misses out on design elements which gives the other models their sporty stance. Photo: Akif Hamid

Maxus D90: Spacious, capable and practical

2h | Wheels
Maria Callas: Remembering the soprano diva on her century

Maria Callas: Remembering the soprano diva on her century

1h | Features
Photo: Touseful Islam

Last sip of coffee with cats: Bidding adieu to Capawcino

3h | Features
Jannatul Ferdous Ivy has written 11 books so far with the latest, a series of poems, being published this year. Photo: Noor-A-Alam

Jannatul Ferdous Ivy: Overcoming tragedy, excelling in life

12h | Panorama

More Videos from TBS

Mahiya Mahi, Dolly Sayantani and Hero Alam's candidacy canceled!

Mahiya Mahi, Dolly Sayantani and Hero Alam's candidacy canceled!

1h | TBS Stories
5 renewable power projects on cards to counter global fuel price surge

5 renewable power projects on cards to counter global fuel price surge

2h | TBS Insight
Israel's war on Palestine is a boon for the United States

Israel's war on Palestine is a boon for the United States

8h | TBS World
Nomination for independent candidates hits the history!

Nomination for independent candidates hits the history!

21h | TBS Stories
EMAIL US
contact@tbsnews.net
FOLLOW US
WHATSAPP
+880 1847416158
The Business Standard
  • About Us
  • Contact us
  • Sitemap
  • Privacy Policy
  • Comment Policy
Copyright © 2023
The Business Standard All rights reserved
Technical Partner: RSI Lab

Contact Us

The Business Standard

Main Office -4/A, Eskaton Garden, Dhaka- 1000

Phone: +8801847 416158 - 59

Send Opinion articles to - oped.tbs@gmail.com

For advertisement- sales@tbsnews.net