Steps will be taken to identify tax evaders through a proper mechanism, Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake said.
“Our sole aim is to relieve the public from the current tax burden. We should strengthen government bodies such as the Inland Revenue Department which collects revenue for the government to achieve such targets. A constant surveillance should be carried out on such institutions,” he said.
Karunanayake made these remarks during a sudden inspection tour of the Inland Revenue Department’s head office yesterday.
The minister also looked into the operations and shortcomings of the Inland Revenue Department.
Karunanayake visited several sections of the department and inquired from the workers about their career difficulties.
The minister discussed the facilities for new technology available at the head office of the Inland Revenue building and availability of opportunities for the workers to use them.
He pointed out the need to widen the department’s hotline centre for customers to contact the department on the direct telephone number 1944.
Karunanayake said certain factions are scared of the Inland Revenue Department and such unfounded fears should be eliminated from their minds.
“We know what was done to this country by the previous regime. The annual loss of the Hambantota Port was Rs. 37,000 million. We are compelled to repay such huge loans with the income generated by the Colombo Port,” the minister said.