The Employees’ Trust Fund Board (ETFB) has announced that employers with 15 or more employees will be required to submit Employees’ Trust Fund (ETF) contributions and monthly returns exclusively through electronic channels from July 2026 onwards.
According to the ETFB, the move is being implemented under the provisions of Extraordinary Gazette No. 2311/39 dated December 22, 2022, and is aligned with the Government’s Digital Economy Policy. The new requirement will take effect for ETF contributions relating to July 2026, which must be paid on or before August 31, 2026.
To support the transition, the ETFB said electronic banking facilities have been introduced through nine designated commercial banks. Employers who do not hold accounts with these banks may still make payments through any other bank using the Direct Debit facility. The Board has advised employers to contact their respective bank managers and register for the service as early as possible.
Under the new system, the ETF Board will no longer accept ETF contribution payments made by cash, cheques or money orders from employers with 15 or more employees. Printed half-yearly returns submitted by these employers will also no longer be accepted.
While the electronic system is not compulsory for employers with fewer than 15 employees, the Board strongly encourages them to adopt electronic payment and return submission methods due to their efficiency, security and convenience.
The ETFB urged all employers to transition to the electronic system to ensure timely, accurate and convenient payment of ETF contributions while avoiding penalties and surcharges.
Further information is available from the ETF Board’s Head Office, its regional offices, or through its official website at www.etfb.lk.