• SL increases State revenue by 50% in 2023 compared to 2022

The State Ministry of Finance yesterday (01) stated that it is planning to recruit a group of Assistant Customs Superintendents and Customs Inspectors with the aim of increasing the active contribution of young and talented officials to prevent tax evasion.

Speaking to the media yesterday (01), the State Minister of Finance, Ranjith Siyambalapitiya said that the Government had increased its revenue by 50% thus far this year (2023), compared to the same period last year (2022), yet the progress was not sufficient.

"There are several steps that should be taken in this situation. Strengthening of the administration as pointed out by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), reducing the tax freedom to some extent, and active prevention of tax evasion are some of such steps. In taking these steps, the active participation of young and talented officials is very important." Siyambalapitiya said.

In order to achieve the said objective, Siyambalapitiya said that the Government would take steps to recruit 138 Assistant Customs Superintendents and 45 Customs Inspectors, which he claimed would be done without any political intervention, and instead through a competitive examination in the future.

Meanwhile, noting that the issues in the collection of tax revenue through the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) is a serious concern of the Government, State Minister of Finance Shehan Semasinghe said in April 2023, that arrangements were underway to address such issues.