Reverend Rajawelle Subhuthi Thero, the head of the Colombo National Hospital Service Board, has raised concerns about Sri Lanka being the only country that taxes donations.
Subhuthi Thero explained that despite seeking support for their charitable program from three past presidents, none of them provided assistance. He mentioned that even when he spoke with the current president, Ranil Wickremesinghe, and requested the removal of taxes on medical equipment donated to the country from England and Australia, it was implied that these donated medical devices were old and not worthy of tax relief.
Furthermore, Subhuthi Thero expressed disappointment that both former presidents, Mahinda Rajapaksa and Maithripala Sirisena, had pledged to assist the Hospital Service Board’s work order but had not followed through on their promises.
Subhuthi Thero also highlighted the challenges faced by charitable organizations and government officials in implementing free medical equipment programs, as there are no opportunities for commissions or financial gains from such initiatives.
The Hospital Service Board, in collaboration with the Sylvia Foundation in England, as well as Sri Lankan communities in Sydney and Bellman, Australia, is actively working to provide necessary medical equipment to 380 hospitals in Sri Lanka as part of their charitable efforts.
