Sri Lanka election: opposition leader vows to tax the rich more

Sri Lanka's opposition leader, Sajith Premadasa, is contesting the presidential election scheduled for September 21, 2023. He has pledged to renegotiate the 2022 economic reforms package with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to ensure that wealthier individuals contribute more in taxes, alleviating the financial burden on the poorer segments of society. The reforms were implemented after the country defaulted on its foreign debt, leading to a severe economic crisis. Premadasa advocates for a more equitable distribution of wealth and fundamental changes to the current IMF agreement, emphasizing a humanistic approach to economic recovery. The ongoing reforms and debt restructuring under the IMF have resulted in increased taxes aimed at boosting state revenue. However, opposition parties argue that many affluent individuals evade taxes, placing a disproportionate burden on the middle class and the poor. Premadasa's vision includes fostering an export-oriented, knowledge-based economy to stimulate growth and improve living conditions for all citizens. In addition to economic reforms, Premadasa has expressed intentions to address past injustices, including prosecuting officials responsible for the controversial cremation policy of Muslim COVID-19 victims. He has labeled this policy as racist and has promised compensation to affected families. Furthermore, he aims to grant greater autonomy to the ethnic Tamil population in the northern and eastern provinces, addressing long-standing demands for devolution of power. The upcoming election is viewed as a referendum on the current government's economic policies, which have shown some improvement in key economic indicators but have yet to benefit the average citizen significantly. Premadasa's proposals reflect a commitment to social justice and economic equity, positioning him as a candidate focused on the needs of the marginalized.