Former Deputy Leader of the United National Party and Member of Parliament Ravi Karunanayake has called for a more equitable tax collection process, emphasizing that the burden should not fall solely on those who already pay taxes.
Speaking to the media, Karunanayake acknowledged the positive development of Sri Lanka emerging from bankruptcy but stressed the need for urgent reforms in tax collection.
“The country coming out of bankruptcy is a matter of joy for all of us. But what are we doing to ensure economic resilience? The right approach is not to impose more taxes on those who are already contributing but to bring in those who evade taxes,” he stated.
He highlighted that a significant portion of the population does not pay taxes and insisted that broadening the tax base is crucial for sustainable revenue generation.
“Only by including those who currently evade taxes can we ensure successful tax collection. At least 15% of the gross domestic product should be collected annually. Urgent measures must be taken to achieve this,” he added.
Karunanayake’s remarks come amid growing discussions on tax policy and economic recovery in the country.
