April 27, Colombo (LNW): President Anura Kumara Dissanayake convened a high-level meeting with senior officials from the Inland Revenue Department this (27) afternoon at the Presidential Secretariat, signalling a renewed push to strengthen the country’s tax administration.
Talks centred on expanding the national tax base, improving compliance among taxpayers, and accelerating the recovery of long-overdue revenue. Officials also presented an overview of the department’s performance so far in 2026, highlighting both progress made and areas still requiring attention, according to an official communication.
A significant portion of the discussion focused on modernising the institution itself. Plans to restructure internal operations and introduce more advanced digital systems were examined in detail, with emphasis on improving efficiency and transparency. Among the key initiatives reviewed was the rollout of a nationwide electronic invoicing platform, seen as a cornerstone of future tax reforms.
The President urged authorities to adhere strictly to deadlines, stressing that delays would undermine broader fiscal objectives. He called for tighter coordination and accountability to ensure the successful implementation of these reforms.
Several prominent figures were in attendance, including Anil Jayantha Fernando, who serves as Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning, as well as Deputy Minister of Economic Development Nishantha Jayaweera. Also present were Presidential Secretary Nandika Sanath Kumanayake and Inland Revenue Commissioner General R. P. H. Fernando, alongside other senior officials.