Govt. kicks off National Tax Week with noble call

THE Government yesterday kicked off the 'National Tax Week,' aimed at strengthening compliance and broadening the base, with President Anura Kumara Disanayake assuring that a new political culture has been created to ensure taxpayers' money is not wasted or misused.

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The launch of 'Badu Shakthi - National Tax Week' is under the theme 'Your Tax — Your Future.”

In his address at the launch, President Disanayake assured that not a single rupee of the tax money paid by the people will be misused or lost to corruption.

He further stated that if any politician or public official is found engaging in such misconduct, strict action will be taken regardless of their position and the maximum possible punishment will be enforced. The President affirmed his commitment to ensuring justice for taxpayers by dismantling the corrupt mechanisms that have long operated against the public interest.

He further noted that Sri Lanka is currently under economic probation and invited all citizens to join hands in building a self-sufficient national economy. He underscored that the Extended Fund Facility agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) should be the last such program for the country.

Disanayake revealed that only 43% of those registered as companies have submitted their tax returns. For the 20232024 period, only 23% of individuals liable for income tax have filed returns.

Among partnerships, the compliance rate is 46%. Meanwhile, just 18% of those liable for PAYE tax have submitted their returns. None of these figures exceed 50%, clearly indicating widespread tax non-compliance and deliberate efforts to evade taxes.