Sarvajana Balaya Raises Concerns Over Mandatory TIN Requirements and Government Spending

Sarvajana Balaya Wennappuwa Electorate Organiser Sachini Sooriyarachchi has raised concerns over the implementation of mandatory Taxpayer Identification Numbers (TIN), questioning the government's preparedness and the practical challenges faced by the public.

Speaking at a Sarvajana Balaya media briefing, Sooriyarachchi said TIN numbers had been made compulsory for seven specified purposes, while the Inland Revenue Department was advising the public to obtain them through its online services.

However, she pointed out that circulars informing government institutions of the TIN requirement had reportedly not yet been issued, questioning whether the government had adequately assessed the practical implementation of the new requirement before introducing it.

She also questioned why the Department for Registration of Persons could not facilitate the issuance of TIN numbers alongside National Identity Cards, rather than requiring people to go through a separate process.

Referring to the government's claims about bringing international expertise in technology and computer systems to Sri Lanka, she questioned whether a more convenient system could have been introduced for the public.

Sooriyarachchi further said that the TIN requirement had created anxiety among members of the public, particularly over concerns about opening bank accounts and whether their deposits could be affected by providing their tax identification details.

She warned that if such concerns discouraged people from engaging in financial transactions and using banking services, it could raise wider questions about public confidence in the banking system.

She also questioned the government's decision to allocate Rs. 100 million to a private television channel, asking why such funding had been provided when the Sri Lankan government already operates two television channels.

Sachini Sooriyarachchi
Sarvajana Balaya Wennappuwa Electorate Organiser