Sri Lanka is home to people from all kinds of religions, backgrounds, and cultures. This diversity is also seen in our businesses—whether they are shop owners, professionals, or investors. But when it comes to paying taxes, every single person should be treated exactly the same. Right now, that is not happening.
In theory, the rules are simple: if you make money, you must report it and pay your share of taxes. In return, the tax system should treat everyone fairly. No one should get special favours, and no one should be picked on. But the real problem isn’t what the law says—it is how the law is actually used.
The Problem with Favouritism
When people feel that some taxpayers are getting special treatment, it causes serious damage. If citizens believe that tax officers are making decisions based on personal friendships or favouritism, trust completely breaks down.
Tax decisions—like audits, penalties, or appeals—should only be based on the law and real evidence. The same rules must apply to everyone, no matter who they are or who they know. Right now, there are widespread rumors that the head of the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) is favouring businesses from her own religious group. This is deeply unfair.
When people see others getting away with things or getting special breaks, they start to ask: Why should I follow the rules and pay my taxes if the system is rigged?
Why Trust Matters
Sri Lanka is trying hard to rebuild its economy. We need tax money to fund many public services and repay the loans to get back on tack in our economy. But collecting this money takes more than just strict laws—it requires the public to trust the system.
That is why we need total transparency. Tax decisions must be clear, consistent, and easy to explain. The system needs to be strong enough to stop favouritism, and even prevent the appearance of it.
A Call to Action
The responsibility to fix this lies at the very top. Our country’s financial leaders must ensure that all tax offices operate with total fairness and professionalism.
If there are worries that certain groups are getting easier penalties or unfair advantages during appeals, these complaints cannot be ignored. They must be investigated openly. If they aren’t, public trust will keep shrinking.
In the end, taxpayers aren’t asking for special favours. They just want a level playing field. Equality under the law shouldn’t just be words on a piece of paper—it needs to be practiced every single day.
Mr. President, as the Minister of Finance, it is your job to investigate these issues immediately and fix the system.
By a Special Correspondent