New IR Act: Fine example of collaborative approach to policy making, says Ceylon Chamber

The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (CCC) has congratulated the Finance Ministry on the successful passing of new Inland Revenue Bill in parliament, saying that it was a fine example of collaborative approach to policymaking.

The Ceylon Chamber stayed extensively engaged throughout the process of drafting the new legislation, and said it was grateful for the space provided by the government to have their views heard. 

“Ministers Mangala Samaraweera, Malik Samarawickrama, and Eran Wickramaratne, as well as officials of the Ministry of Finance were sensitive to private sector concerns and suggestions submitted by this Chamber. 

This was a fine example of a collaborative approach to policymaking, and we hope that other policy makers too will adopt a similar approach. We look forward to the same level of openness and consultation in the formulation of the National Budget 2018,” a CCC statement said. 

The new tax law aims to modernize and streamline Sri Lanka’s income tax system. 

The chamber also praised the ministry’s recent decision to change the implementation date of the Act to 1st April 2018.

CCC has always advocated for, and supported the process of, a healthy dialogue between the public and private sector on the basis that such consultations are essential for sustainable policy making.
To achieve the government’s Vision 2025 of ‘An Enriched Country’, a thriving private sector is essential. In order that the private sector may better contribute to achievement of this vision, the predictability in the levy of taxes is paramount. 

“The business community strongly opposes retroactive legislation in dealing with the tax regime. Domestic and foreign investors must have confidence in the stability of a tax system, when formulating their business plans. 

The Chamber will continue to engage with the Ministry of Finance with regard to implementation issues that will be identified following 
an internal review process,” the statement said.