📊 Sri Lanka Opposition Record: SJB Economic & Institutional Engagement

• Macro Context & IMF Strategy - Debates center on moving from a revenue-heavy fiscal adjustment (target: primary surplus of 2.3% of GDP by 2025 from a -3.8% deficit in 2022) toward external-sector upgrading and expanding manufactured exports. - World Bank notes recovery challenges: poverty levels remain double 2019 baseline, food prices doubled (2021–2024), and real wages remain depressed. • Key Economic Positions & Industry Impact - Proactively advocated for SMEs by challenging the lowered VAT registration threshold proposal (Rs. 36 Mn), successfully retaining it at Rs. 60 Mn to mitigate cash-flow burdens. - Contested the APIT regime (Rs. 100,000/month threshold) and Withholding Tax (WHT) on interest to protect skilled professionals, retirees, and domestic savings. - Focused on broader national issues: energy sector tariffs, food affordability, EPF/ETF retirement funds protection during debt restructuring, and ports & infrastructure development. • Institutional Governance & Policy - Pushed back against the proposed 22nd Amendment citing threats to judicial independence (raising Supreme Court retirement age to 67, Court of Appeal to 65). - Emphasized balancing fiscal stability with tradable production, export diversification, and structural protection for vulnerable households.