The Hon. Thilanka U. Gamage

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, I raise the following question from the Minister of Finance, Economic Stabilization and National Policies.

¶ 02 During past administrations, due to the lack of proper transparency in tax expenditure and the non-utilization of collected taxes in a transparent manner, there was dissatisfaction among taxpayers. On one hand, tax compliance was particularly low; on the other, there was great frustration when it came to how taxes paid were spent.

¶ 03 To correct this, the Government has implemented several programs and also launched a new program titled “Tax Shakthi.” Accordingly, I expect answers to the following:

¶ 04 01. What are the objectives and expectations of the “Tax Shakthi” program?

¶ 05 02. Has the expected tax revenue for this year been collected within the first five months?

¶ 06 03. How many new income tax files have been opened this year?

¶ 07 04. What specific measures are expected to be taken to broaden the tax base?

¶ 08 05. What measures are expected to be taken to enhance the efficiency of the three main revenue-collecting agencies — the Inland Revenue Department, Sri Lanka Customs, and the Department of Excise — which contribute the highest share of tax revenue?