(UTV | COLOMBO) – The Ceylon Electricity Board Joint Trade Union Alliance has decided to hold a discussion with all trade unions in the electricity sector at the Ceylon Electricity Board Headquarters at noon today.
The discussion is being held in opposition to the steps taken by the government to draft clauses to impose a levy of 25 percent on the Employees Provident Fund and the Pension Fund, through the Surcharge Tax Bill.
Convenor of the Alliance Ranjan Jayalal said the bill must be amended prior to being tabled in Parliament.
Jayalal said an EPF worth Rs.75 billion is being maintained by the CEB.
He said the government imposed a tax of 18 percent annually according to provisions of the Inland Revenue Act, in addition to the standard 14 percent income tax charge.
Jayalal said the government has no right to embezzle funds from the EPF and Pension Funds, which were created for the people to depend on after retirement.