Sri Lanka

Taxation is an important economic tool for any government, but in Sri Lanka we have seen that the tax system is not earning the necessary revenue for the country. Ideally, as income increases, the corresponding tax revenues should also increase (though the rate of increase will decline over time). This, however, is not happening in Sri Lanka:...

In addition to serving as a source of government revenue, taxation helps bridge the wealth gap. Taxation is also used as a disincentive on the consumption of demerit goods. Inflation rates and the balance of payments can be controlled and maintained with taxation, which can pave way for further economic growth and development.

In Sri Lanka taxes are levied by various regulatory authorities by virtue of the powers vested in them. Here, we have set out an outline of the key taxes of the country. The list is not exhaustive and aims to be of general guidance only.

Sri Lanka’s education system is widely regarded as among the best in South Asia. A commitment to improving the quality of teaching at all levels and across the country has resulted in impressive outcomes in recent years. In 2015 the country’s literacy rate was 92%, and over 95% of the adult population had completed some level of schooling,...

Free universal health care is enshrined in Sri Lanka’s Constitution. Its health care system delivers what is widely recognised as some of the highest-quality care in South Asia, despite spending considerably less than most other countries. The state-run public health system provides efficient, comprehensive and free medical services of all...

In recent years Sri Lanka’s health authorities have moved forward with a variety of projects aimed at integrating digital technology into the health sector. In 2015 the government oversaw the operation of 12 e-health pilot projects around the country, which involved initiatives related to the introduction of a national health ID number for all...