COPA recommends better use of ICT to enhance tax revenue

The Committee on Public Accounts (COPA) that looked into ways to improve the collection of Government revenue has recommended the Government consider extending the e-payment facilities, currently operated with two state, to few selected private banks on similar or with better terms in order to facilitate the tax payer in their payments and also to encourage the implementation of latest banking developments, such as telebanking 24X7 days.

The report was presented by the Chairman of COPA MP Lasantha Alagiyawanna to Parliament today.  It recommended steps to be taken by and among key stakeholders to improve the collection of Government revenue by using effective Information and Communication Technology (ICT) systems.

The Committee paid special attention to the Customs Department, the Inland Revenue Department and the Excise Department which collects early 80 per cent of annual state revenue, Mr.Alagiyawanna said. He said that shortcoming in the revenue collection methods has resulted in millions been lost to the state and hence COPA has decided that there should be more regular scrutiny of revenue collection.

The recommendations were prepared by a Sub Committee appointed by COPA and its members were MP Eran Wickramaratne, Bandula Gunawardena, Seyed Ali Zahir Moulana, Dr.Nalinda Jayatissa and Dr. Kavinda Heshan Jayawardana.

(CK)