Presidential Secretary Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake has called for urgent action to address what he described as the heavy burden faced by the public due to Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) tax.
Speaking at an event in Colombo, Dr. Kumanayake said the current situation needs to change without delay.
His comments come as PAYE remains a key tax paid by employees through deductions from their income.
Dr. Kumanayake also called for the Inland Revenue Department to develop its systems and operations to a level comparable with tax authorities in developed countries.
He made the remarks while attending the 21st Annual General Conference of the Association of Inland Revenue Commissioners in Colombo.
The event brought together senior officials involved in tax administration and economic policy.
Those attending included Deputy Minister of Economic Development Nishantha Jayaweera, Presidential Secretary Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake and Inland Revenue Commissioner General R.P.H. Fernando.
Dr. Kumanayake did not announce a specific change to PAYE rates or a new tax relief measure in the remarks provided.
His comments instead called for the current burden on taxpayers to be addressed and for the tax administration system to improve.
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Last modified: September 3, 2026
