People ask tax benefits on consumer goods

Below are the comments made by people on the Christmas season:

A housewife of Mabola, Wattala Nilmini Ratnatunga commended the Government for granting tax benefit on essential consumer items. She asked the authorities to make on-the spot-investigations to see whether the traders pass the benefit on to consumers.

"So far the Government's tax relief has not taken effect and the prices of rice, sugar and vegetables are still the same in the open market," she said.

26-year-old Gayan Wettasinghe of Katunayake said " Although the prices of commodities either go up or come down, we get ready to celebrate Christmas,"

"Therefore, I must tell the authorities that the escalating prices of rice, vegetables, fish, eggs and chicken are unbearable," he said. A textile shop owner of Wellampitiya Ajith Kumara said "I have two textile shops in Bambalapitiya and Moratuwa and unlike the previous years this year has shown a brisk sale".

A resident of Kadawatha W. R. Perera said that prices of essential items including fish and vegetables have gone up and the authorities must take steps to bring them down.

Priyantha Nawalage of Panaduara proposed to the Government to set up consumer outlets at least during the festive season to where essential food items are sold at affordable prices.

A boutique owner from Moratuwa T. G. Somasiri said the prices of essential consumer items have gone up and asked the Trade Ministry to distribute them at affordable prices through `Lak Sathosa' outlets.

A resident from Amapara, Sulaiman Lebbe said Christians in his area were not planning to celebrate Christmas this year on a grand scale due to the prevailing war situation.

"However, the prices of all items including food and clothing in our area have Skyrocketed. Therefore I propose to the Government to set up shops in order to sell items at affordable prices," he said. Sana Hussain of Wellawatta said,

"It is pathetic that no one pays attention to problems faced by motorists. Parking facilities in Colombo City are atrocious. Parking vehicles on both sides of the road should be allowed at least during this season, "he said.

A resident from Wattala S.H. Somasiri asked as to why the Government cannot enact a law for private traders so that they cannot increase the prices, at their own will and pleasure.

A 53-year old shoe maker Peter Almeida of Moratuwa called on the authorities to impose heavy taxes on imported textile and leather items in order to provide a good market for locally made textiles and shoes.

"Since there are no restrictions our businesses are running at a loss, since many prefer to go for imported goods", he said.

An undergraduate, Nimalka Seneviratna said that majority of the poor are unable to celebrate Christmas in the way they like, since they can't afford the high prices.

"I remember the Government had announced that consumer goods will be sold at affordable prices through `Budget shops', and if so, it is the duty of the authorities to set up more and more shops, so that, no private traders can cash in, during the season.

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