Tax revenue has increased by Rs.100 billion - Karunathilaka

Tax revenue in Sri Lanka has increased by Rs.100 billion as of this year, Minister Gayantha Karunathilaka says.

The observation was made at a press conference held in Colombo this afternoon (17). According a report prepared by the Ministry of Finance, tax revenue has increased by 22 per cent, and taxes related to excise and customs have increased by 22 per cent and 40 per cent respectively, the Minister added. 

Meanwhile, the cabinet has approved a national policy to deal with war displaced families, the Government announced today.

Minister Karunatillake told reporters at the media briefing that cabinet had approved the creation of a national policy on durable solutions for conflict-affected displacement.

“This policy has been prepared with long discussions held with relevant ministries, national, provincial and district level stakeholders, UN agencies, Civil Society Organizations, and displaced communities. 

It demonstrates the government’s commitment in rebuilding the lives of displaced families on a rights-based approach. Affirming a durable solution goes beyond resettlement and it includes provision of protection, housing, water, sanitation and healthcare, primary education, a good living standard, and access to livelihood etc. Also they should be socialised without any discrimination based on their gender, ethnicity, age, language, political opinion, religion, caste, living place etc. 

Therefore, the proposal made by D.M. Swaminathan, Minister of Prison Reforms, Rehabilitation, Resettlement and Hindu Religious Affairs, to accept the above policy, was approved by the Cabinet of Ministers,” the Minister said.