Deputy Minister of Economy Harshana Suriyapperuma clarified that his government did not introduce a new tax on individuals earning foreign currency through online platforms but instead reduced an existing tax imposed by the previous administration.
Speaking on Sirasa Channel, Suriyapperuma explained that the former government had implemented a 30% tax on such earnings, which was subsequently reduced to 15% after his government took office.
He further stated that discussions would be held with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to implement necessary financial programs for the country. He emphasized that, under current global taxation policies, tax-free services are no longer provided. If a country does not levy a tax on a particular service, the country receiving that service will impose the tax instead.
Suriyapperuma justified the tax collection by stating that if Sri Lanka does not collect this revenue, another country will, reinforcing the need for such measures in the national interest.
