This was revealed yesterday (4th July) at the Presidential Secretariat at the first of the series of discussions held between the President and the representatives of traders’ associations.

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe were also present for the discussion. According to the President, the customers are given priority in the VAT decision.

The discussions on VAT will be held together with the economic experts, ministers and public officials and the representatives were instructed to participate for each meeting. President also expressed the necessity to hold further discussions with traders engaged in whole sale and retail businesses as well as delivery services.

Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake speaking to the media following the discussions said that the discussions held with the traders’ associations was successful. “Government invited traders engaged in whole sale and retail businesses as well as delivery services for these discussions,” he further said.