National People’s Power (NPP) presidential candidate Anura Kumara Dissanayake announced plans to remove the Value Added Tax (VAT) on several items if elected.

Speaking at a rally on August 17, Anura promised to remove VAT on food, healthcare services, and school supplies in the first budget under his leadership.

“We will reduce the electricity bill by one-third in a short time and remove VAT on food, healthcare, and school supplies,” Anura stated, emphasizing the need for urgent economic relief for citizens.

The NPP candidate criticized the current government for burdening the public with taxes and vowed to prioritize the welfare of the people.

He said a simplified tax system will be introduced while steps will be taken to recover defaulted tax by businessmen such as liquor manufacturers.