Reply To:
Name - Reply Comment
Last Updated : 2024-05-19 14:30:00
30 September 2023 07:11 am - 44 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
In the wake of the International Monetary Board (IMF) revenue mobilization gains-while improved relative to last year--are expected to fall short of initial projections by nearly 15 per cent by year-end, the state coffers are deprived of a whopping Rs.500 billion annually due to inefficiency and corruption of bureaucrats and the absence of properly developed systems at three institutions Inland Revenue Department, Sri Lanka Customs and Excise Department, as revealed by a top parliamentary committee.
The Sectoral Oversight Committee on National Economic and Physical Plans of Parliament has identified such losses, prompting it to mull the establishment of a special committee comprising 50 officials to monitor these institutions.
Its Chairman Mahindananda Aluthgamage told Daily Mirror that as much as 86 per cent of revenue collected by the Inland Revenue Department originates from only 464 clients, triggering concerns why it had been unable to expand the collection base despite having a staff of around 2,500.
He charged that even top businessmen, including a leading mill owner, are among the tax evaders. (Kelum Bandara)
ravin Saturday, 30 September 2023 07:27 AM
Inefficiency begins at the helm. When all top posts are occupied by political appointees and not according qualifications whole world must wondering how we are surviving at present levels.
Mithun Saturday, 30 September 2023 09:57 PM
And no accountability. Right from the top to day, and what do you expect of this country.
This is reality Saturday, 30 September 2023 07:38 AM
Inefficiency and corruption starts from the top doesn't it? A finger pointed at others means three are aimed at self.
Sam Silva Saturday, 30 September 2023 05:20 PM
Very true also this has been the norm in our country for decades and nothing could be done. It will continue for next generation and all we could do is watch and complain. What a life.
Ama Saturday, 30 September 2023 07:51 AM
Hello Aluthgamage, bring back the money ROBBED by Raja family. Don't think we are fools. Because of YOU all only, people
Mokan Saturday, 30 September 2023 07:57 AM
What is R’s share
Be Fair Saturday, 30 September 2023 08:18 AM
464 225 Mill Owner and reduction of 75% corruption will set the country on the right path
Tissa Fernando Saturday, 30 September 2023 08:23 AM
All tax evaders are supporters of the politicians. That is why they evade taxes , break the law because they know they will be protected and nothing will happen to them.
Daily Mirror Humbug useless to give name Saturday, 30 September 2023 08:37 AM
What about Tradeunion guys calling Strikes regularly causing inconvenience to public and bring loss of revenue to citizens. Most critics cry for poor on tax matters as if their personal income is over hundred thousand per month to be taxed. Current status is prices of food items have come down too for people to afford. So the culprits are government servants , Tradeunions, the tax avoiders , bribery by both politicians and rest , inefficient Sri Lanka Customs ,Exercise / Inland revenue departments.Oh then, the Jude, Judas, Joshua muddy Buffaloa, Sokcrates are main players of defenders of above on News on economic matters published in this paper.
Ram Saturday, 30 September 2023 08:46 AM
Chairman himself has a questionable past and should not have sat in judgement on National Economy issues
Amal Saturday, 30 September 2023 08:50 AM
A key reason is that there is no political will to take on these large scale tax evaders who are often well connecte dto politicians. Just start with excise an, casinos and add up the numbers. Then investigate those who have build palaces and reconcile the costs incurred to their income tax returns. When that is completed then move on to other low hanging fruit. Confiscate assets, freeze bank accounts, lock them up in jail for starters and send the signal that the authories are serious about clamping down on evasion.
Steve Saturday, 30 September 2023 09:54 AM
Really Mr Aluthgamage. Where have you been all these years ?
Jayantha Saturday, 30 September 2023 10:09 AM
After funding a corrupt politicians. Look what these imf jokers say. Are they babies. 17 times gave money to corrupt politicians to protect them and now for the 18th time given monet to protect corrupt politicians. Why you never told to cut down free fuel quota for politicians,remove all luxury vehicles given to politicians that run on public money,abolish pension for politicians and cut down expenses on ex presidents. Did imf discussed the deal with corrupt politicians not with people. Now these jokers want to increase taxes to rob more from people. Imf jokers should be taken to an international court for aiding corruption and helping rogue politicians.
Ron hardy Saturday, 30 September 2023 10:21 AM
Develop countries have a macanisam and a system to document every channel no one can avoid taxes you don't need massive staff all business are registered under ownership no business can be operated without registration heavy fines penalties apply all registered business compulsory must pay qouataly tax to the taxation department any Owings with penalty rates with time frame to pay back failure to pay in time line will be produce to court due to breaching conditions you have to pay all cost plus court have the power even to cancelled business liecence sri Lanka need to change without workers doing the collection work where most of dealings wheelings happen money recovery is a history....If country need to moove forward without financial sabotage . macanisam system to monitor tax inveders accordingly is a key factor
Ganesh Saturday, 30 September 2023 10:38 AM
Haha hahahahahaha Mahindananda is the chairman for oversight committee.
Hadira Saturday, 30 September 2023 11:06 AM
Government must take a firm decision to either confiscate property or freezing Bank accounts of those tax defrauders to the tune of nearly half trillions SLRS
Ranil the great ... waster Saturday, 30 September 2023 11:07 AM
This will be the story as long as the pohotuwa crooks are in power and the impotent president is leading. Better say goodbye to IMF.
Mohan Saturday, 30 September 2023 11:07 AM
Should transfer the old staff at customs and appoint new staff.
Gunadinghe Saturday, 30 September 2023 11:13 AM
Look who is talking. First look at his wealth and how he acquired so much after coming in to power, summarizes the plight.
Premalal Perera Saturday, 30 September 2023 12:12 PM
The kettle calling the pot black. Even our current President is alleged to have used his lifetime friend from Singapore to rob our Central Bank. He now lectures to all about their duties as model citizens.
Lanka Saturday, 30 September 2023 12:27 PM
What about the quality of politics?/it has done more damages than any thing else ? Put more unqualified Sinhalese officials in high positions at the expensive of qualified Tamil; Muslim; Malay and other minorities... You can't rule any country where one community marginalize another on the basis of religion;language; ethnicity; cast ; gender ; regionalism; ...put the most qualified people in positions and yet see what is going on in our country
Inefficient Regime Saturday, 30 September 2023 12:28 PM
precise term to describe our regime "Inefficiency"
A helpless citizen Saturday, 30 September 2023 12:32 PM
The story is right, but the amount of corruption by Rajapaksas alone must be over Rs.50000.0 billion.
Mahindan Horarajapakson Saturday, 30 September 2023 12:36 PM
Impossible task given to a KAMBA HORA ...
Vadivelu Yogaratnam Saturday, 30 September 2023 12:42 PM
IMF knows that entire political structure is corrupted no exception need complete refurbishment, the reason dragging with the needed loan.
Cherath Saturday, 30 September 2023 01:38 PM
My own deduction is that the corruption through, commissions, bribes and underhand dealings make up the hole in the bucket. No matter what you do to expand the exchange earnings and exports the bucket will never get filled up. Turning a blind eye to tax collections due, is the other side of this coin.
Proud Boy Saturday, 30 September 2023 01:40 PM
Since we are all happy that there a few dollars more in the country, let’s keep RW and the Rajapakses a little longer in power and see this figure hit a billion by the end of this year.
SouthAfrican Saturday, 30 September 2023 01:54 PM
Banana Republic De Luxe. History just repeats itself over and over. I feel very sorry for the average Sri Lankan. Beyond pathetic.
Pantha Kumaran Saturday, 30 September 2023 02:06 PM
Our country is in this situation thanks to corruption from the top. I mean our politicians. Politicians enter into parliament to rob our wealth. Nobody can change our politicians unless they change themselves, which is very unlikely.
Rushi Saturday, 30 September 2023 02:14 PM
Nation of thieves people are robbing left right and centre the country in huge debt due to this thieves who have put majority innocent people to suffer while the minority have no sympathy what so ever heartless dirty politicians and officials who keep pushing the country right to the bottom specialy for the middle-class and poor country have no prosperity due to corruption bribery elegal activities mismanagement by this fellows Mr President must take tough action with all thieves and replace with honest decent hardworking peace loving people who have feelings for others specialy given soomuch suffering by minority thievs that contributed to put country in to Bankcruptsy ....some seriously need to be done.....
Ra ra Rasputin Lover of the Russian queen........ Saturday, 30 September 2023 02:15 PM
That's quite okay. UK, US, Canada and Australia will keep giving you money until they go bankrupt. After that you can look to the weather gods. Maybe Rasputin will come to your help.
fernando Saturday, 30 September 2023 03:01 PM
Namal rajapaksa is giving recomendation letters to his friends for top posts on parliment letterheads uless we get rid of the rajapaksa we will mot prosper
Peter Cinamon Saturday, 30 September 2023 03:27 PM
I do not believe! They all are NGO propaganda to discriminate the SL government. SL consists of the best, uncorrupted, very religious, very honest, politics, verging politicians! We will be at the top of the world very soon as the unelected, refused man is travelling to all 3rd world countries by force!
Vernon Saturday, 30 September 2023 03:57 PM
Do not try to fix the problem with the businessman and government officials.we not sure the figures what you are saying is correct. Palimentarient oversight committee is set of jockers. The actual income expected must be carefully calculated.
sam silva Saturday, 30 September 2023 04:58 PM
no wonder a country run by arts qualified non scientific and lawyers at administrative level. a lack of analytical minded engineers, scientists, technologists, IT specialists (a must in information age) root cause and above all corruption. intake to SLAS MUST be revised asap.
Fred Saturday, 30 September 2023 05:25 PM
Inefficiency and corruption drain state coffers of billions scream the headlines.Solution is not to appoint high powered committees but to do the basics well first as the anomalies incompetencies corruption just stare you in the face they are everywhere for all to see.Take a small example the tiling which was done in OLd Kesbewa Road Nugegoda not long ago to cover the ditch which is the only space for pedestrians to walk Gaps everywhere death trap in some places.How come?Must have cost the tax payer millions There must be numerous other examples like this The rectification of these smaller issues will guide you to resolve the bigger ones as the causes are the same corruption and or incompetence
Roger Halliday Saturday, 30 September 2023 05:42 PM
You jokers have the guts to say that 500 billion lost due to inefficiency and corruption. Does the IMF see this or are they aware of it. The IMFstill says increase tax. Pls don't give us anymore.
DOT Saturday, 30 September 2023 07:27 PM
And more to drain!
Sambo Saturday, 30 September 2023 07:42 PM
They steal we pay. What a country is this. If the 18 billion dollars are returned to the coffers wewill out of all troubles.
Gaslabu Saturday, 30 September 2023 10:32 PM
Corruption and inefficiency are the twin rocks dragging this country down. Racism is what keeps the corrupt and the inefficient at the helm.
Sihina kumaraya Sunday, 01 October 2023 10:23 AM
What about the Kappan Kalliya of modern red shirts
sam Sunday, 01 October 2023 04:23 PM
Nothing new
ANNECUNT Sunday, 01 October 2023 05:10 PM
severe punishment is the only solution
Zaza Sunday, 01 October 2023 09:56 PM
The system that made all of us beggars now want money. We do not have clean suits but only empty pockets.
Add comment
Comments will be edited (grammar, spelling and slang) and authorized at the discretion of Daily Mirror online. The website also has the right not to publish selected comments.
Reply To:
Name - Reply Comment
The state-run loss-making State Mortgage & Investment Bank (SMIB) has reveale
US authorities are currently reviewing the manifest of every cargo aboard MV
On March 26, a couple arriving from Thailand was arrested with 88 live animal
According to villagers from Naula-Moragolla out of 105 families 80 can afford
17 May 2024 - 0 - 122
