Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) MP Namal Rajapaksa, who is in remand custody, has written to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake asking the government to remove VAT and other taxes on essential school supplies and food items in the 2027 Budget.
In a letter dated 9 October, Rajapaksa asked the President to keep the National People’s Power (NPP) promises of tax relief on schoolbooks, stationery, educational equipment and essential food. He said the NPP’s manifesto proposed a zero percent VAT rate on essential goods, including locally produced milk, eggs and infant milk.
He said the measures would ease the burden on low and middle income families facing rising education and living costs.
The government has not yet responded to the letter, according to the information available. The 2027 Budget is due to be presented later this year.
