The 5 Fundamental Rights petitions filed at the Supreme Court, challenging the government’s decision to impose Value Added Tax and Nation Building Tax will be heard today(22).
The Ministry of Finance issued directives to amend the existing VAT and NBT rates on the 2nd of May.
However, five individuals including Leader of the National Freedom Front, Wimal Weerawansa and Bengamuwe Nalaka Thera have challenged the decision at the Supreme Court.
Minister of Finance Ravi Karunanayake, Secretary to the Treasury RHS Samarathunga, Commissioner General of the Inland Revenue Department Kalyani Dahanayake and the Attorney General have been named as respondents.
The petitions seek an interim order restraining the Finance Minister and other respondents from directing the public to pay Value Added Tax and Nation Building Tax.
The petitioners had stated that there are no amending laws pertaining to VAT or NBT that have the effect of the changes pertaining to imposition of taxes. The petitions have also observed that notice and administrative decisions taken to collect such taxes on changed rates can only be done by amending the existing financial regulations in Parliament.
Accordingly, the petitions will be taken up before a three-Judge-bench comprising Chief Justice K Sripavan, Justice Eva Wanasundara and Justice Priyantha Jayawardene today.
