Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa spoke against the 2017 budget proposals today in Parliament, describing it as serving foreign interests.

This Budget aim to cut taxes for foreigners and motivate them to buy our lands, Rajapaksa said. He added that this was a dangerous move and the country will be a colony of foreign countries if the government grants limitless offers for them while discouraging local investors and enterprises.

He also said that the cost of living will increase as the government is increasing taxes even more.

Rajapaksa also hit out at SLFP members who are in the government. The UNP policy is to sell off state resources, he said, adding that it was regretful to see some SLFP members also involved in this.