The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) has urged the Government to introduce a fair and equitable tax policy for professionals, including doctors.
The GMOA said it has prepared several scientific and analytical proposals for this year’s Budget and plans to submit them to the President.
According to the association, the proposals are aimed at providing tax relief to professionals without adversely affecting the Government’s overall tax revenue.
The GMOA said doctors and other professionals who continued to serve the country during its most difficult periods should receive urgent relief and greater fairness under the existing tax system.
The association said the Government collected more than Rs. 5,400 billion in tax revenue last year, describing it as the highest tax revenue recorded in the country’s history.
It also noted that despite amendments and relief measures introduced to the Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) tax system, PAYE tax revenue in 2025 exceeded the projected figure by more than 30%.
The GMOA said professionals, including doctors, are currently facing severe economic pressure, with nearly 36% of their salaries being paid in direct taxes, in addition to significant indirect taxes.
The association stressed the need for a sustainable and strategic programme to retain skilled professionals and valuable human resources in Sri Lanka.
It warned that failure to introduce such measures could lead to a continued loss of skilled professionals and eventually leave Sri Lanka at risk of becoming a “knowledge desert.”
The GMOA therefore urged the Government to urgently establish a fairer tax environment for professionals, including doctors, while ensuring that the country’s tax revenue remains protected.
