Pay Up!

How do we urge people to pay their taxes?

As we are aware, Sri Lanka is undergoing a severe economic crisis. This has by and large been brought about by decades of deficit spending whereby governments spend more than they earn, either by borrowing or printing money.

In turn, this has taken a toll on our economy and the financial system, contributing to the rupee depreciation, inflation, shortages and other economic troubles we’re experiencing.

The most effective way to avoid this, and return to stability and growth, is to ensure that government revenue and expenditure are on a par. While this is quite theoretical, one way to achieve this is arguably by increased taxation, though the present proposals are drastic at best and should have been introduced more gradually.

It is also imperative that we widen the tax net – and it’s crucial that the government eradicates corruption, and ensures accountability and good governance.

Having said that, to enjoy the rights and privileges we do as citizens, we must accept the corresponding responsibility of playing our part in ensuring that everyone continues to enjoy these rights and privileges by paying their taxes, ultimately enabling Sri Lankans to enjoy a sustainable and stable future.

Let us also not forget to exercise our democratic right to the universal franchise in appointing those who can live up to the values we expect as citizens of this country. For if we elect good leaders who can balance our fiscal responsibilities, we can fulfil the many social contracts between us citizens and the state.

It is also imperative that we widen the tax net – and it’s crucial that the government eradicates corruption, and ensures accountability and good governance