GMOA urges govt. to introduce fair tax policy for professionals

The Government Medical Officers' Association (GMOA) has formally urged the state to re-evaluate the prevailing tax structure imposed on professionals across Sri Lanka. Addressing media representatives, representatives of the GMOA emphasized that doctors, engineers, university academics, and other high-level professionals are facing an unsustainable financial burden under current personal income tax regulations.

The union highlighted that the current fiscal framework has inadvertently accelerated the brain drain crisis, resulting in critical shortages of medical personnel in public healthcare institutions. Many provincial and base hospitals continue to experience service disruptions due to the departure of specialized doctors seeking more favorable working and living conditions abroad.

The GMOA noted that while professionals understand the necessity of contributing toward state revenues and national economic recovery, taxation should not disincentivize specialized work or undermine essential services. The association called for urgent discussions with the Ministry of Finance and relevant tax authorities to formulate a restructured, equitable taxation model that fosters talent retention.

They further urged the government to establish targeted incentive mechanisms and maintain an ongoing mechanism for consultation with key professional syndicates before finalizing fiscal adjustments in upcoming budgetary proposals.