Tax collection in the Southern Province to be streamlined

D. C. de Silva Kahawa special corr.

It was revealed that the Provincial Revenue Commissioner (PRC) was reluctant to provide some files related to certain subjects and the due revenue had not been collected.

"Once an official is tipped by the Provincial Chief Secretary to investigate into Provincial or Government accounts, he becomes an authorised investigator," S.P. Governor Kumari Balasuriya said at a meeting called by her to investigate the matter pertaining to Provincial and State revenue collections. She added that such authorised officers should be provided with all needy documents by the relevant departmental heads.

She had instructed the P.R.C. to charge all dues as soon as possible. According to tax officials files related to administrative taxes and tax related to motor vehicles remained disorderly, were incomplete and the Social Assistance files were incomplete even though payments had been made. It was found that a family member receiving social assistance gained employment while receiving such assistance. The family should not be paid social assistance in the future. Governor Balasuriya said that the right rested with the Provincial Chief Secretary to check any file related to any subject. Land Commissioner should take proper actions to surcharge dues in files immediately. Unrevealed surcharges in files related to R.M.V. should be re-checked with the participation of the former P.R.C. and report on the progress soon, the Governor instructed officials.