IRD withdraws temporary VAT numbers

Published

11 months ago

June 23, 2024

editor

The Inland Revenue Department (IRD) has decided to withdraw the facility of providing temporary VAT (Value-Added Tax) numbers for imports for commercial purposes in view of the misuse of the system.

The move follows revelations that some businessmen, including those involved in the import of commodity items, were misusing the facility by obtaining temporary numbers under different names.

IRD Commissioner General Sepalika Chandrasekara told the Sunday Times that the measure had been taken in view of the revenue losses to the government from the abuse of the system.

She said revelations had been made that even porters employed in Pettah and shop assistants had obtained temporary VAT numbers and evaded tax payments.

She said that necessary amendments would be presented in Parliament shortly.

However, temporary VAT numbers will be issued for imports by the government.

Until the amendments are approved for imports of medicines too, temporary VAT numbers will be issued, she said.

Ms. Chandrasekara said those holding temporary VAT numbers were being registered for permanent VAT numbers, and already 6,000 had been registered.

A Treasury official said that with the new system, they hope to increase tax revenue.

He said that with the new amendments, there would also be strict controls on the import of items.

The official said they were estimating the losses suffered due to the temporary VAT number.

(sundaytimes.lk)
(Except for the headline, this story, originally published by sundaytimes.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)

COVID subvariants spreading in Asia detected in Sri Lanka

Published

10 hours ago

May 31, 2025

editor

The Medical Research Institute of Sri Lanka has confirmed that the COVID-19 variant currently spreading in the Asian region has also been identified in the country.

Dr. Jude Jayamaha, a specialist in viral diseases at the Medical Research Institute, stated that patients infected with the Omicron subvariants LF.7 and XFG are being reported locally.

Dr. Jayamaha explained that this finding was confirmed through research conducted on biological samples collected from several hospitals across the island.

However, he emphasized that there is no need for undue fear regarding these COVID-19 variants.

Health authorities have also stressed the importance of vulnerable groups—such as pregnant mothers, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses—following health guidelines, including wearing face masks and avoiding crowded places.

Dr. Jayamaha reiterated that new COVID-19 variants emerge periodically, and health authorities are continuously monitoring the situation, so the public should remain calm.

(newswire.lk)

(This story, originally published by newswire.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)

News

Anudi misses out from Miss World Quarter-Finals

Published

10 hours ago

May 31, 2025

editor

The Miss World organization has announced its quarter-finalists, selecting 40 contestants from across Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas.

Sri Lanka’s Anudi Gunasekara, was not selected in the top 40, despite being recognized for her impressive performances in the Multimedia and Head-to-Head challenges.

The top 40 consisted of 10 contestants each from Asia & Oceania, Europe, Africa and the Americas.