CATA members visit Kandy

Hemanthi Guruge in Kandy

Over 90 participants from 41 countries attending the 32nd annual conference of the Commonwealth Association of Tax Administrators (CATA) hosted by the Inland Revenue Department took time off from their conference to visit the Pinnawela elephant orphanage, the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy and many other places of interest.

Participants enjoyed the scenic beauty of the country and adventures at Pinnawela and wowed to return back.

The team had their lunch at Amaya Hills Kandy where they also witnessed a typical Kandyan mock wedding specially performed by the hotel.This is the first time that Sri Lanka is hosting this significant event.

CATA has been in existence since 1977 when it was established by a resolution of the Commonwealth Finance Minister’s meeting held in Barbados.

Starting with 27 Commonwealth member countries, the membership of CATA has steadily increased over the years. The membership now stands at 46.

“CATA is the largest international organization of tax administrators in the world,” Deputy Commissioner General, Inland Revenue H B A Senevirathne who is the Chairman of the Organizing Committee of the Conference, said.

CATA members visiting the Dalada Maligawa in Kandy

CATA members at Pinnawela elephant orphanage Pictures by Sumanachandra Ariyawansa