National tax week 'Tax Shakti 2026' launched

The ‘Tax Shakti 2026’ national tax week commenced yesterday evening at the Presidential Secretariat presided by Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne.

This initiative, organised by the Revenue Administration Reform and Modernisation Bureau, focuses on bolstering state income and accelerating the development of the nation.

The programme aims to shift public perspective from negative to positive regarding taxation, encouraging a culture of voluntary compliance throughout the country. While the broader ‘Tax Shakti 2026’ campaign continues throughout the year.

Speaker Wickramaratne described the initiative as more than a simple revenue collection drive; he framed it as a national effort to foster responsible, patriotic citizenship. During the launch, he noted that the economic stability and independence of any sovereign state rely heavily on effective taxation.

Historically, tax evasion remained prevalent due to a lack of clarity regarding how contributions benefited the public and, at times, political interference. The Speaker noted that the current government successfully altered this narrative by demonstrating tangible results. Public confidence grows as citizens observe development projects, such as highways and power schemes, funded through domestic resources rather than foreign debt.

Tax funds support vital public welfare, including disaster relief and educational benefits through the President’s Fund.

Labour Minister and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning, Anil Jayantha Fernando, noted that understanding taxation remains essential for the economic and social transformation of the country.