News Today: Deputy Minister Anil Jayantha Fernando discusses government efforts to boost tax compliance.

Deputy Minister of Labour and Economic Development Anil Jayantha Fernando has stated that the government will introduce new measures to encourage the public to pay taxes. Speaking at the annual conference and election of the Inland Revenue Commissioners Association, the minister emphasized that trust in the government plays a crucial role in tax compliance.

According to Fernando, past administrations faced public resistance to taxation due to widespread perceptions of fraud, corruption, and mismanagement. “If a government is free from fraud, corruption, and theft, people will be more willing to pay taxes because they see the benefits of their contributions,” he said.

He stressed that excessive regulations and enforcement to force tax compliance indicate underlying governance issues. “When people are reluctant to pay taxes, it is often a sign that they have lost faith in the system,” he noted.

Fernando pointed out that the new government is gaining public confidence by reducing corruption and improving transparency. He observed that citizens have already noticed the absence of major fraud and mismanagement issues that plagued previous administrations.

“A government free from fraud, corruption, and theft will help move the country forward,” the minister concluded, reaffirming the government’s commitment to restoring public trust and encouraging voluntary tax compliance.