The Hon. Muhammad Faizal

¶ 01 In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Hon. Presiding Member, Assalamu Alaikum! Ayubowan! Vanakkam!

¶ 02 Today is a special day. It is the day we remember all our fallen military personnel who strove to end the war in our country. Remembering them, I wish to comment on the Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill being debated today.

¶ 03 This Bill directly concerns our country’s economy and social welfare. National income is one of the key indicators of a country’s development. But an increase in national income alone is not sufficient. We must see whether income is distributed equitably, whether living standards improve, and whether employment increases. Through this Bill, the expectation is to streamline the economy, broaden revenue sources, improve Government revenue collection, make tax administration transparent, curb evasions, enforce tax compliance, and create a stable financial base for Government development programmes.

¶ 04 Many speakers have said the Government is increasing the tax burden on the poor. We are not the cause of this. Past rulers sold many State assets and neglected national production. Those who were supposed to safeguard State property failed. They borrowed but used loans for various purposes without boosting domestic production. Consequently, we now have to levy more taxes from the people.

¶ 05 This Bill will, however, benefit the poor. At the same time, it includes significant individual concessions. Under the Bill, tax is payable only on profits. Importers and small traders are exempt in specific ways, while measures are introduced to bring current non-payers into compliance.

¶ 06 According to Customs in 2025, our country achieved over Rs. 2 trillion in revenue—the highest in Sri Lanka’s history. To reduce the tax burden on our people, we must expand exports and domestic production. If we do this, we can reduce taxes on the people. In 2025, the Government earned Rs. 2,002 billion in tax revenue. We must spend this for national development, which will, in turn, boost production and the economy and allow tax reductions.

¶ 07 I also raise an important matter. Last November’s “Tithwa” cyclone severely affected the entire country, including Puttalam District—especially the Puttalam electorate—damaging houses. Compensation is now being disbursed effectively. Due to last week’s rains, the district again faced flooding; Puttalam electorate was extensively affected. People in the Mundal and Puttalam Divisional Secretariats suffered greatly. Roads in Vanathavillu are badly damaged, and farmlands in the Karaitivu Division were heavily affected. Puttalam town was inundated; schools closed for two days.

¶ 08 When the Hon. President visited Puttalam, he promised to upgrade the Puttalam Base Hospital and to implement a proper drainage system for Puttalam town. Upgrading of the hospital is proceeding rapidly. As the town floods during every rainy season, schools close and students’ education and transport suffer seriously due to poor drainage. Therefore, a comprehensive drainage system for Puttalam town is urgently needed.

¶ 09 Three major bridges within Mundal and Karaitivu Pradeshiya Sabha areas are badly damaged. The bridge at Wirudodai in Karaitivu was damaged by the “Tithwa” cyclone; temporary fixes restored partial use, but last week’s rains damaged it again and it is now impassable. Please prioritize its rehabilitation. Likewise, on the road from the 10th Milepost towards Kanamulla, a large bridge has collapsed due to floods—please repair it urgently. Near Pulichchakulam School, a narrow bridge became a death trap during the “Tithwa” floods and two children died while crossing. The bridge remains narrow and poses a serious threat to students. It must be widened quickly to suit the road and school access.

¶ 10 If we enact and implement this Bill with necessary improvements, we can prioritize social justice, economic balance, transparency, and public welfare; ensure better livelihoods and a stronger economy; revive the national economy; and create a prosperous future with equal opportunities for all. I request the required amendments and conclude. Thank you.