The inaugural ceremony of the "Badhu Shakthi 2026" (Tax Strength 2026) National Tax Week was held at the Presidential Secretariat today (06), marking the launch of a nationwide campaign aimed at promoting voluntary tax compliance and strengthening state revenue.

The programme, organised by the Revenue Administration Reform and Modernisation Unit of the Presidential Secretariat, seeks to improve public attitudes towards taxation and expand the country's tax base.

The National Tax Week will run from July 6 to 10, accompanied by a nationwide public awareness campaign that includes media outreach, leaflet distribution and educational programmes to encourage greater tax compliance.

Addressing the event, Speaker of House Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne said the initiative was not merely a tax collection campaign but a national movement to foster responsible citizenship and strengthen the country's economic independence.

He said taxation was essential to financing national development and noted that public confidence in the use of tax revenue had improved under the current administration.

According to the Speaker, major infrastructure projects, including expressways and power sector developments, are now being funded through domestic resources rather than external borrowing.

Speaker Wickramaratne said broadening the tax base, improving compliance and reducing tax evasion would help ease the tax burden on compliant taxpayers while supporting the country's long-term development.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning, Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando said improving public understanding of taxation would contribute to Sri Lanka's economic and social transformation.

He said the government had simplified the tax payment process and introduced stronger fiscal discipline to ensure tax revenue is managed responsibly. The Minister added that the administration would not tolerate fraud, corruption or waste and called on citizens to contribute to national development by meeting their tax obligations.

Deputy Minister of Economic Development Nishantha Jayaweera, Director General of Customs Wimal Liyanagama, Director General of Excise M.B.N.A. Premaratne and Commissioner General of Inland Revenue Rukdevi Fernando also addressed the event.