Business
Sri Lanka’s digital tax dilemma: Balancing IMF demands and election allies
By Sanath Nanayakkare
The government of Sri Lanka is navigating a precarious fiscal tightrope as it has proposed a new tax targeting individuals earning foreign revenue through digital services, a move aimed at bolstering state coffers but risking alienation of a key voter base.
With the International Monetary Fund (IMF) urging reforms to meet a critical revenue-to-GDP ratio, the government has unveiled a tax proposal set to take effect from April 1, 2025. However, the plan has sparked fierce backlash from digital professionals, including freelancers, IT consultants, and remote workers, who warn that the levy could drive an exodus of talent to countries with more favorable tax regimes.
Amid ongoing discussions on the topic, Dr. Harsha Subasinghe, Chairman-CEO of CodeGen and Member of the Port City Commission, expressed concern during a Hiru TV interview yesterday about Sri Lanka’s abrupt hike in digital service tax from 0% to 15%. He warned that this move risks destabilizing the tech industry and driving professionals abroad.
“These professionals are vital to our economy, generating foreign exchange through hard work, strategic marketing, and established global business ties,” he emphasized.
When questioned on why he had not raised the issue directly with the President, Dr. Subasinghe noted, “The Finance Ministry is hyper-focused on meeting IMF conditions to secure scheduled tranches. But what happens if our top USD earners depart? Today’s IT worker here could be in Singapore tomorrow. Many firms have already relocated overseas, and past waves of emigration saw one million professionals leave. This tax could trigger another exodus—there’s little incentive to stay.”
Highlighting broader opportunities, he pointed to AI’s projected USD 2 trillion contribution to the world economy by 2030.
“If Sri Lanka captures 1% of that, we will be able to earn USD 20 billion. But to do that, we need IT talent here. Instead, policies like this risk driving them away,” he said.
However, Professor Anil Jayantha Fernando at a press conference last month emphasised that this particular tax has been misinterpreted, leading to misconceptions in society.
He clarified that the taxation system applies to all income earned within Sri Lanka, whether the source is domestic or international. However, he highlighted that relief measures have been introduced for those earning from digital services compared to other sectors.
“There has been debate about a 15% tax on service exports, with some believing it is an entirely new tax. Under the Income Tax Act, everyone is subject to income tax. However, individuals earning less than Rs. 150,000 per month will be fully exempt from income tax starting in April, regardless of their industry,” he explained.
Speaking further he said:
“If an individual earns Rs. 200,000 per month from providing digital services abroad, the first Rs. 150,000 is tax-free. The remaining Rs. 50,000 falls within the Rs. 85,000 tax bracket, taxed at 6%, amounting to just Rs. 3,000. While other entities face income tax rates of up to 36%, those in the digital services sector are capped at a maximum of 15%. This provides a relative advantage rather than imposing an additional burden. So, the new tax structure is not an unfair imposition but rather a step toward a more balanced taxation system.”
Business
Export of scrap metal required for domestic industry to be banned
The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the resolution furnished by the Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development to impose the necessary legal provisions to prevent the export of scrap metal in a manner detrimental to domestic industries.
Business
SriLankan Airlines records revenue increase with AI and ML-powered Revenue Management System
SriLankan Airlines has recorded a revenue increase following the implementation of a next-generation, AI and Machine-Learning (ML) powered Origin and Destination (O&D) revenue management platform. The system enables dynamic pricing and smarter inventory optimisation, while delivering a superior passenger experience across all sales channels through real-time seat availability and predictive analytics.
Kshanaka Saparamadu, Head of Revenue Management at SriLankan Airlines, remarked, “Embracing the latest revenue management technology is a testament to our commitment to continuous innovation and digital transformation. With the introduction of PROS Revenue Management Advantage and Amadeus Revenue Availability and Active Valuation, we are not only refining our current processes but also positioning ourselves for long-term success in modern airline retailing, ensuring we stay ahead in a rapidly changing industry.”
Chamara Perera, Group Head of IT at SriLankan Airlines, added, “This transition to a dynamic, integrated revenue management system reflects our strategic focus on remaining agile in an increasingly competitive and fast-evolving airline industry. As the aviation sector undergoes rapid digital transformation, SriLankan Airlines is enhancing its ability to respond swiftly to market fluctuations and meet the evolving demands of today’s travelers.”
Powered by PROS’ AI-driven Revenue Management Advantage (RMA) and Amadeus Revenue Availability and Active Valuation (RAAV), the platform leverages AI algorithms and ML models to improve alignment of capacity and demand, optimise premium seat allocation and respond swiftly to market shifts. These capabilities deliver unmatched agility and scalability, boost yield and position SriLankan Airlines at the forefront of digital transformation in aviation.
Industry benchmarks show that O&D-based revenue optimisation models typically deliver a 3%-5% increase in passenger revenue, underscoring the new revenue management system as a key driver, among other strategic factors, to the 13% growth recorded by SriLankan Airlines during the first three quarters of the 2025-2026 financial year.
This initiative has not only enhanced SriLankan Airlines’ agility, scalability, and competitiveness in a dynamic global aviation market, but also strengthened collaboration between pricing, demand and flight analyst teams, earning two awards in the process. It was recognised with the Growth Catalyst Award at the Outperformer Customer Awards 2025 in Las Vegas by PROS, as well as the Silver Award in the AI and Data Science category at the National Project Management Excellence Awards 2025 in Colombo by the Project Management Institute Sri Lanka Chapter.
As SriLankan Airlines continues its modernisation journey, the new integrated revenue management platform will significantly improve SriLankan Airlines’ global market position, its ability to attract and retain high value connecting passengers, and competitiveness in the global aviation landscape.(SriLankan Airlines)
Business
CCC delegation completes prestigious International Trade Facilitation Programme
A delegation of 30 professionals from the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce recently completed a specialised residential training programme on International Trade Facilitation at the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) in New Delhi.
Hosted by the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, a premier institution established under India’s Ministry of Commerce and widely regarded as a leading centre of excellence in international trade education and research, the programme also included engagements with several of India’s most prominent trade and diplomacy institutions. These included the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), the government authority responsible for shaping and implementing India’s foreign trade policy; the Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service, the country’s premier training institution for diplomats; the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO), the apex body representing India’s exporting community; and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), one of India’s most influential industry associations. Together, these engagements offered participants valuable insights into how policy, diplomacy, and industry interact in a robust manner to facilitate trade and economic progress.
Over nine days, participants explored key aspects of global commerce, including the international trading system, trade negotiations, economic intelligence, trade finance, and emerging issues such as AI, cyber risk, and digital transformation.
The programme offered valuable insights into the evolving dynamics of international trade and the systems that support it, while highlighting ways in which chambers of commerce can further leverage their existing role in supporting businesses navigate global markets, contributing to policy discussions, and strengthen the broader trade ecosystem.
The programme was designed and overseen by Dr. Rohit Mehtani, Dean at IIFT and a widely respected expert in international trade diplomacy and negotiations, whose academic work and advisory experience have contributed to international trade discourse.
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