In this issue

When discussing the squeeze, politicians ponder those in the middle of the income distribution; or ones who are neither rich nor so poor. Although the economy kept growth through a 30-year-long conflict, not everyone in the income spectrum benefited. Partly this was because Sri Lanka’s integration with the rest of the world helped some, more than others.

But many disconnects suggest that globalisation isn’t growing incomes from the middle outwards. In this issue, we look at income taxes, and how at the equivalent of 2% of GDP, their low contribution to government revenue undermines social infrastructure. An upper-middle-income country like Sri Lanka would be expected to have an income tax contribution to revenue at least three times greater than it does now have.

Three times higher income tax contribution won’t by itself solve the anaemic revenue issue, but it is at least half the solution. Contribution from consumption and other taxes must also rise.

Our cover story this month explores the decline that started in 1990 and accelerated until tax collections were halved. Despite some years of trying, and tight-fisted budgets that kept the government deficit in check, tax revenue has not budged from its bottom of the pit level.

Echelon Magazine Description:

Intelligent Storytelling

The one thing that will define the Echelon magazine will be the quality of the storytelling. Echelon,published monthly, will cover in depth Sri Lanka’s most successful businesses, examine their winning strategiesand profile their leaders in immersive stories. Great stories are also never limited to words, and our approach includes rich photography, bold graphics and leading edge design which together will make for a compelling read.

But business doesn’t start and end in a boardroom;it extends to the golf club greens, to international travel and to pursuits that blurthe lines between commercial venture and sheer passion. The Echelon team will present the best in business and lifestyle coverage that will appeal to an exclusive and affluent readership: an otherwise hard to reach demographic.

Content will be developed by one of the most experienced and proven teams of editors, financial journalists, photographers and designers in the country.This team has already raised the bar for powerful and expertly crafted business news. Shamindra Kulamannage, will lead the editorial team.

The reputation of Echelon is being built on the separation between editorial and advertising. However we are also looking for the most creative and impactful new formats that can be applied in our magazines, iPad app as well as website to help our clients reach our audience. We are flexible and creative and we will have a solution for every single advertiser who wants to reach our audience.

We are passionate about creative results and about working with our advertisers to help them create bespoke multi platform creative solutions with our in house creative team and of course our sales team.

Echelon will be a great place to show off the products and capabilities of our clients because they will be surrounded by an editorial product that is expertly crafted, full of integrity and intelligence.