Join hands with us on May Day - Socialist People's Front

Anura Premalal

Leaders of the Socialist People's Front requested the people to join hands with them on the May Day rally to strengthen democracy and social equality.

Scientific Affairs Senior Minister and Lanka Sama Samaja Party Leader Prof Tissa Vitarana addressing a press conference at the N M Perera Centre, Borella said the government should expect a major share of the tax from the rich class and large scale companies without directing the tax burden on the working class.

"The country's development process should be devoid of the colonialism mentality. The value added exports should be encouraged," he said.

Prof Vitarana said the tax percentage charged from large scale companies should be increased from 28 to 45 percent. Human Resources Senior Minister D E W Gunasekara said when compared with other developing countries, Sri Lanka is the country that charges the least amount of tax from the rich and their companies.

He said May Day is being celebrated worldwide with high enthusiasm.

Gunasekara said the trade union sector has been weakened due to the neo-liberal economic system spread around the world.

He said under neo-liberal economic policies, more employees are recruited under contract basis and daily wage basis.

National Languages and Social Integration Minister and Democratic Left Front (DLF) leader Vasudeva Nanayakkara said several suggestions will be made to the government by the DLF on May Day and the main suggestion is enhancing the income of the public.

"The Tax Commission Report has not been launched yet. We will request the government to launch it immediately," he said.

Socialist People's Front Leader Raja Collure said they will take measures to strengthen the government.