Be a tax payer, become a proud citizen

Wehelle Piyathilaka - Maharagama special corr.

The tax payers are the most worthiest sector of a country. Become a proud citizen by paying taxes regularly, said Inland Revenue Department Commissioner General Mahinda Medagoda attending a seminar organised by the Department of Inland Revenue to enhance awareness on taxes and taxation for the tax payers in Homagama, Maharagama and Kesbewa electorates.

The biggest income earner of the country is the department of Inland Revenue. 54 percent of the total national income is collected by the Inland Revenue Department. That is not enough to meet at least the expenses of the Government sector. The percentage of tax payers out of the total population is 4.5 percent. It has to be increased at least 8 percent.

He said now no bomb explosions, vehicle attacks. Today all communities can live in peace. The responsibility is ours to rebuild the country. He requested the people to contribute a small amount from earnings for the sake of the country and the nation. The Government provides many services from taxes such as free education, free medical care, and security.

Forty gold and silver privilege cards were presented to good tax payers and cards to new tax payers by the Commissioner General.

133 persons were volunteered to pay taxes on the spot and registered as new tax payers.