The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka (CA Sri Lanka) held a special felicitation ceremony in honour of the Commissioner General of the Department of Inland Revenue, Mrs. R. P. H. Fernando, in continuing a longstanding tradition.
The event, held at CA Sri Lanka on 1st September 2025, was attended by Mr. Heshana Kuruppu, President of CA Sri Lanka, Mr. Tishan Subasinghe, Vice President of CA Sri Lanka, Members of the Council, Ms. Sarah Afker, Chairperson of the Faculty of Taxation, and Ms. Lakmali Priyangika, Chief Executive Officer of CA Sri Lanka.
In his speech, Mr. Kuruppu reaffirmed the strong and enduring partnership between CA Sri Lanka and the Department of Inland Revenue, highlighting the Institute’s contributions to fiscal policy and tax administration over the decades. He emphasised the importance of ethical tax advisory practices, noting that Chartered Accountants are bound by a strict professional code and are committed to upholding integrity, transparency, and accountability.
“Taxation may never be the most popular subject, but it is an indispensable pillar of progress. A fair and robust tax system is about justice, responsibility, and opportunity for generations yet to come,” he said.
Mr. Kuruppu also underscored the role of technology in transforming tax systems, advocating for digitalisation as a means to enhance efficiency, transparency, and public trust.
Delivering her speech, Mrs. Fernando expressed appreciation for the recognition and reiterated the importance of collaboration between the public sector and the professional community. She acknowledged the vital role Chartered Accountants play in ensuring the integrity of tax filings and fostering a culture of compliance. “Our collective journey towards economic stability is not just about fiscal policy. It is about every citizen contributing their fair share to the nation’s progress,” she said.
Mrs. Fernando also outlined the Inland Revenue Department’s renewed focus on data-driven enforcement and the establishment of a High Wealth Individuals Unit, aimed at ensuring equitable tax contributions through targeted engagement and global best practices.
She also highlighted the Inland Revenue Department’s growing international engagement, including recent Memoranda of Understanding signed with His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (UK) and the Australian Taxation Office. These partnerships will support training and capacity development, equipping officers with global best practices.
She further emphasised efforts to simplify tax laws and processes, making compliance more accessible for all Sri Lankans. “We will continue our close collaboration with professional bodies like CA Sri Lanka to ensure that new policies are practical, effective, and fair,” she said.
In addition, Mrs. Fernando noted the Department’s strengthened cooperation with Sri Lanka’s anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing framework, enabling joint audits with law enforcement to more effectively combat tax-related financial crimes.
CAPTIONS: Mr Heshana Kuruppu lighting the oil lamp
