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.

The proposals are aimed at providing tax relief to professionals without adversely affecting the government’s overall tax revenue.

The association said doctors and other professionals who continued to fulfill their responsibilities and serve the country during its most difficult periods should be given urgent relief and greater fairness under the existing tax system.

According to the GMOA, the government collected more than Rs. 5,400 billion in tax revenue last year, which it described as the highest tax revenue recorded in the country’s history.

The association 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.

Therefore, the GMOA stressed the need for a sustainable and strategic program to retain Sri Lanka’s skilled professionals and valuable human resources within the country.

It warned that failure to implement such measures could result in the 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 create a fairer tax environment for professionals, including doctors, while ensuring that the country’s tax revenue remains protected.