The Inland Revenue Department achieved a remarkable milestone in 2025 by collecting Rs. 2,203 billion in revenue, marking the highest amount in its 93-year history. This collection surpasses the projected revenue target by Rs. 33 billion and reflects a 15 percent increase from the previous year’s revenue, as confirmed by the Commissioner-General of Inland Revenue, Ms. Rukdevi Fernando.
Ms. Fernando shared these insights during a discussion held yesterday morning at the Department’s auditorium, under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. Notably, this event marked the first instance of a presidential visit to the Inland Revenue Department in its long history. The President met with the staff to review the 2025 achievements and discuss strategic plans for 2026.
The President expressed sincere gratitude to the officers and staff of the Inland Revenue Department for exceeding the Government’s revenue expectations. He encouraged everyone to continue striving towards shared goals to achieve the necessary economic transformation for the country.
Highlighting the importance of fair tax practices, the President declared that the era of tax evasion based on personal, familial, or political connections is over. He emphasized that the law will be applied impartially to those attempting to evade taxes, regardless of their status.
The President also clarified that tax collection is a legitimate right of the State, not an act of repression or coercion. He announced that necessary amendments to laws, regulations, designations, and staffing would be implemented to ensure proper tax contributions.
Furthermore, the President underscored the Government’s commitment to channeling the benefits of these economic achievements to the citizens. The Government aims to enhance essential public services, reform the transport system, and allocate sufficient resources for the development of the education and health sectors.
The President stressed the need for a focused programme to improve tax collection, addressing issues such as enhancing tax literacy, simplifying the tax system, and addressing staff shortages.
Ms. Rukdevi Fernando attributed the success to the professional competence and dedication of the Department’s officers. She announced that a revenue target of Rs. 2,401 billion has been set for 2026, with plans to achieve this through initiatives aimed at boosting tax compliance and broadening the tax base.
Additionally, Ms. Fernando outlined plans to expand third-party data sharing, strengthen investigations into domestic and overseas assets, take over the RAMIS system, reinforce risk-based auditing, introduce e-invoicing, adopt modern technology for tax administration, and enhance tax ethics in 2026.
Notable attendees at the event included the Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning, Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando, Deputy Minister of Economic Development, Nishantha Jayaweera, Secretary to the President, Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Commissioner-General of Inland Revenue, Ms. Rukdevi Fernando, and senior officials and staff of the Department.
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