National Tax Week 'Badhu Shakthi 2026' Begins in Sri Lanka

The "Badhu Shakthi 2026" National Tax Week, organized in Sri Lanka to strengthen government revenues and accelerate the country's future development process, has officially begun. The opening ceremony of the program, organized by the Revenue Administration Reform and Modernization Unit of the Presidential Secretariat, was held under the patronage of Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne. The event, which will be celebrated nationwide between 6-10 July, aims to change the existing negative perception of taxes. The government aims to raise awareness among citizens by encouraging a culture of voluntary tax compliance. It is planned to increase public awareness on taxation through extensive media campaigns such as poster distribution and promotional activities.

Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne, in his speech at the opening ceremony, emphasized that the program is not just a tax collection campaign. Wickramaratne stated that the main purpose of this national initiative is to raise citizens who love their country and are responsible. Noting that the strength and sustainability of every sovereign nation depends on its economic independence, the Speaker stated that taxes are one of the most important tools to strengthen government revenue. He admitted that in the past, taxes were seen as a burden on the public and widespread tax evasion was politically patronized. However, he added that the current government has shown a positive attitude to change this perception and brought a transparent management approach.

Recently, infrastructure projects implemented by the government with local resources have increased public confidence that taxes paid are being used effectively. In particular, starting the construction of the Kandy Highway without obtaining credit from any external source has been a source of great pride among the public. In addition, the cabinet approval for the construction work of the Kurunegala-Galewela Road reinforces the country's vision of development based on domestic resources. Sri Lanka has now reached the strength to finance its development activities without relying on external borrowing. This financial discipline shown by the state in recent years significantly strengthens the public's belief in the state and the tax system.

How the collected taxes are used for public welfare has been concretely proven by the 500 billion Rupee budget allocated in response to the Дитваı (Ditwah) Cyclone. While educational assistance is provided to students all over the country through the Presidential Fund, all such social support is financed from domestic resources. The government constantly emphasizes the importance of ensuring financial discipline and the fair and transparent use of taxes. Minister of Labor and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando also stated that simplifying the tax system increases social cooperation. Stating that it is impossible to achieve individual goals without the joint effort of society, Fernando said that the government has gained public trust by fulfilling its financial responsibilities.

Recalling that in ancient times the country's great temples and irrigation networks were built with the collective contributions of the people, the same spirit is needed in modern development. As part of the events, extensive awareness campaigns will be carried out to broaden the tax base, reduce tax evasion rates, and instill the habit of paying taxes. It is emphasized that if everyone pays their fair share of taxes, the tax burden on other individuals will be lightened. In speeches referencing the example of a beehive created by the collective effort of thousands of bees, the 'Badhu Shakthi 2026' program is described as a national movement. Officials argue that this process is not only an economic reform but also a critical step taken to ensure national unity and integrity.