The Association of Sri Lankan Medical Specialists requested the President devise a system to tax the perks received by many in addition to their taxed salaries.
They point out that under the tax revision laws, although the PAYE tax is levied, many are entitled to other additional non-financial privileges paid by the taxpayer that is not being taxed.
The medical experts submitted a letter to the President and Finance Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday and requested him to pay attention to this matter.
They have pointed out that even though some government officials are given non-financial privileges such as several vehicles, quarters, and domestic servants, the financial value of these privileges is not computed.
The association points out that there is a situation where even more than one government vehicle is reserved for some officials, and a severe disparity has been created due to the fact that a group of people who are entitled to similar privileges are not getting them.
It has also been pointed out that while these unprivileged people have to cover their transportation expenses and other expenses from their salary, they also have to pay a huge tax. Accordingly, they demand that the system be changed.
They suggest that the privileges given to certain public servants should be calculated on the basis of market value.
The union points out that it will stop tax evasion.
Further, experts suggest that the expansion of Sri Lanka’s tax network is being done at a very slow pace, and the government is currently putting a lot of pressure on the people who already pay their taxes.
