The Government Medical Officers Association (GMOA) says that a petition with signatures of over 20,000 doctors demanding to reverse the new personal income tax will be handed over to the President shortly.

GMOA is also planning to launch a countrywide ‘Black Week Protest’ demanding the removal of the new personal income tax which will come into effect from January 1st next year.

GMOA doctors said that they do not oppose the imposing of taxes, but fairness must be exercised when introducing tax amendments.

GMOA’s Dr. Haritha Aluthge pointed out that there is a significant increase in skilled workers leaving overseas and this could result in a major crisis for the nation.

“The proposed amendments to Income Tax laws are only pushing the nation backward. Many are talking about stopping doctors who are leaving the country. But no one is willing to look into the cause for such a decision,” he said.