Commissioner General of Inland Revenue, Mrs. Rukdevi Fernando, announced that the Department has achieved a record revenue of Rs. 2203 billion this year, surpassing the annual target by Rs. 33 billion and marking a 15% increase compared to the revenue collected in the previous year.
Mrs. Fernando made these remarks during a discussion held at the Department Auditorium under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake this morning (30).
In a historic first in the 93-year history of the Department of Inland Revenue, the President visited the Department to meet with staff and review the progress made in 2025, as well as to discuss new plans for 2026.
The President expressed his gratitude to all staff for exceeding the government’s revenue expectations and urged continued efforts toward achieving the economic transformation needed by the country.
“No one has the privilege of not paying taxes, and the era in which tax compliance was influenced by personal, family, or political relationships is over,” the President emphasized. He also stated that the law will be strictly enforced against tax evaders, regardless of rank or status.
Highlighting the importance of tax collection, the President said it is a fundamental function of the state, not an act of oppression or coercion. He added that necessary changes would be made to laws, ordinances, post titles, and staff structures to ensure proper revenue collection.
The President further stressed that the government’s goal is to ensure the benefits of economic growth reach the people. He noted that steps are being taken to improve public services, modernize the transport system, and develop the education and health sectors. Additionally, he emphasized the need for targeted programs to enhance tax collection by addressing challenges such as improving tax literacy, simplifying the tax system, and filling staff shortages.
Commissioner General Rukdevi Fernando credited the department’s professional competence and dedication for the outstanding performance. She also announced a revenue target of Rs. 2401 billion for 2026, with plans to achieve this through initiatives such as expanding the tax base and increasing compliance.
For 2026, the Department plans to implement measures including:
- Expanding third-party data exchange
- Conducting comprehensive investigations into domestic and foreign assets
- Taking over the RAMIS system
- Strengthening risk-based auditing
- Introducing e-invoice systems
- Leveraging modern technology for tax administration
- Promoting tax ethics
The event was attended by Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando, Deputy Minister of Economic Development Nishantha Jayaweera, Commissioner General Rukdevi Fernando, along with senior officers and departmental staff.
