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UNDP provides recommendations to GoSL on realigning and leveraging taxes to achieve the SDGs in Lanka

Published

2 years ago

2023/08/27

Azusa Kubota, Resident Representative, UNDP in Sri Lanka hands over SDGs Taxation Framework (STF) Diagnostic Evaluation Mission Report to Shehan Semasinghe, State Minister of Finance

(UNDP)Taxation is intricately linked to gender equality and is a fundamental foundation to address intersectional inequality challenges. Accordingly, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is supporting governments to establish gender-responsive tax systems, which involves carrying out national level diagnostic assessment on tax and gender; through research and capacity building; adapting the Gender Equality Seal for Tax Administrations; and strengthening gender equality perspectives and analyses in tax policy decision-making at national and international levels.

In Sri Lanka, the Country Engagement Plan (CEP) agreed by the Government of Sri Lanka (GoSL) and UNDP seeks to bring together the national priorities on financing for development and the Sustinable Development Goals (SDGs) with a specific focus on taxation. Under this, UNDP will also support research and capacity development in the country on the use of tax policies to achieve SDGs on Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7) and Gender Equality (SDG 5). CEP is demand-driven and focuses on the Ministry of Finance (MoF) and the revenue authority which are the central points for articulating national requirements vis-aÌ-vis taxation and development.

In this vein, an in-country UNDP SDGs Taxation Framework (STF) Diagnostic Evaluation mission took place from 21st-25th August, with the mission evaluation report and findings being handed over today. The report was handed over to Hon. Min. Shehan Semasinghe, State Minister of Finance by Ms. Azusa Kubota, Resident Representative, UNDP in Sri Lanka. Also present was Mr. Ranjith Hapuarachchi, Commissioner General, Inland Revenue Department (IRD); Ms. Rukdevi Fernando, Deputy Commissioner General, Tax Policy, Legislation, International Affairs & Legal, Inland Revenue Department (IRD); and UNDP mission members including Dr Amna Khalifa, Technical and Outreach Specialist SDG Taxation Framework; Caroline Othim, Technical Specialist, Taxation and Gender Equality; and Sudarshan Kasthurirangan Regional Programme Tax Specialist for UNDP Asia Pacific.

The purpose of the mission was to promote a shared understanding of Tax and SDGs issues at the national level, while supporting the carrying out a self-evaluation using an SDG taxation framework, to evaluate the coherence of tax systems with respect to specific targets for SDG 17 (related to Domestic Resource Mobilization) and SDG 5 (related to Gender Equality). This diagnostic framework will help assist Sri Lanka in setting tax reform priorities and sequencing efforts in areas where greater support is needed to realign and leverage taxes to achieve the SDGs.

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Related Topics:Domestic Resource Mobilization Ministry of Finance taxes UNDP

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President participates at special Iftar ceremony

Published

3 mins ago

2025/03/16

Priyan

A special iftar ceremony was held on Friday (14th) evening at Temple Trees in commemoration of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. The event was graced by President Anura Kumara Disanayake.

The event was attended by a significant number of Islamic religious leaders and devotees, and it was held with a strong emphasis on Islamic religious traditions.

The Deputy Speaker, Rizvie Salih, delivered the welcome speech, while the Deputy Minister of National Integration, Muneer Mulaffer, also addressed the gathering.

Sheikh Abdullah Shaheed Mawlavi delivered a special sermon on the significance of the month of Ramadan.

Following a special prayer session, the breaking of the fast commenced at 6:23 PM, after which a special banquet was held.

President Disanayake also engaged in a friendly conversation with the attendees of the IFTAR ceremony.

Among the distinguished guests were Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, Governor of the Western Province, Mr. Hanif Yusuf, as well as Government and Opposition Parliamentarians, State Officials, High Commissioners, Ambassadors, and Media Personnel.

[PMD]

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Our government has reaffirmed its commitment to breaking barriers that limit women’s full participation in the economy, recognizing their vital role in national development. – Dr. Harini Amarasuriya

Published

18 hours ago

2025/03/15

Priyan

“Women play a pivotal role in Sri Lanka’s economic and social development. Yet, despite their immense contribution, structural barriers continue to limit their full participation in the economy. Our government is committed to breaking these barriers by fostering an inclusive economic environment where women can thrive as business leaders, entrepreneurs, and exporters.” Said Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya

The Prime Minister made this statement while addressing the launching the She Trades Sri Lanka Hub funded by the UK’s She Trades Commonwealth+ Program held at Galle face Hotel in Colombo on March 14 organized by the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) and the International Trade Centre (ITC).

While addressing the audience, the Prime minister stated, the government has reaffirmed its commitment to breaking barriers that limit women’s full participation in the economy, recognizing their vital role in national development. Emphasizing gender-inclusive policies, financial inclusion, and access to global markets, authorities are prioritizing support for women-led businesses in key sectors such as ICT, agribusiness, and engineering.

A new initiative will establish 200 women-led cooperatives, fostering supportive environments for female entrepreneurs. Additionally, efforts to strengthen childcare, elderly care, and disability services aim to reduce the burdens that limit women’s economic participation.

A dedicated platform has been launched to provide women entrepreneurs with knowledge, networking, and international trade opportunities. Strengthening public-private partnerships and expanding global market access are key strategies to create an inclusive and sustainable trade ecosystem.

By equipping women with the necessary skills, financial resources, and digital trade access, the government aims to ensure that women entrepreneurs become key drivers of economic growth, aligning with broader policies for inclusive and sustainable development.

The event was attended by Ms. Pamela Coke-Hamilton, Executive Director of the International Trade Center, His Excellency Andrew Patrick, British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Officials from the International Trade Center and the British High Commission in Sri Lanka, Chairman of the Export Development Board Mr. Mangala Wijesinghe and Officials from Export Development Board and International Trade Centre and woman Entrepreneurs.

(Prime Minister’s Media Division)

News

Batalanda Commission report tabled … finally

Published

23 hours ago

2025/03/15

Thilina Walpola

by Saman Indrajith

TheBatalanda Presidential Co-mission report was tabled in Parliament yesterday (14) by the Leader of the House and Transport Minister, Bimal Ratnayake.

Minister Ratnayake announced that the government has decided to forward the report to the Attorney General for legal advice. Additionally, a Presidential Committee will be appointed to provide guidance and recommendations on how to proceed with the findings of the report.

Ratnayake said that the Cabinet-of-Ministers, along with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, has made a policy decision to take necessary action in response to the report. He reassured the public that steps are being taken to ensure that such a dark chapter in the country’s history is never repeated.

Minister Ratnayake said that a two-day debate on the Batalanda Commission report will be scheduled in Parliament at an appropriate time, allowing for a detailed discussion on the report’s findings and recommendations.

The report, which will be printed in all three official languages—Sinhala, Tamil, and English—will be made available to the public in the near future. Ratnayake confirmed that printed copies would be provided to Members of Parliament, as well as the general public, for review.

The Leader of the House revealed that there are 28 evidence volumes associated with the Commission’s work, which will be submitted to Parliament at a later date for further scrutiny.

Ratnayake said that as the entire country is concerned about the findings of the Batalanda Commission, the government’s commitment to addressing the issues raised, and preventing future atrocities, stands clear. The next steps, including legal action and policy recommendations, will be shaped by expert advice and informed parliamentary discussions, he said.