The Cabinet has officially approved the IT Strategic Plan for the Inland Revenue Department, as announced by Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Dr. Bandula Gunawardhana during a press conference held at the Government Information Department on September 10, 2024.
Dr. Gunawardhana detailed that the IT Strategic Plan, designed to digitize the Inland Revenue Department, was a critical structural measure mandated under the Extensive Credit Facility Programme of the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The plan, prepared for the period 2025 to 2027, was submitted by President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who serves as the Minister of Finance, Economic Stabilization, and National Policy.
The Minister highlighted that the IT Strategic Plan aims to enhance the efficiency of revenue collection and management by integrating various revenue-generating institutions, such as the Inland Revenue Department and Customs and Excise Departments. This digitization effort is part of the government’s commitment to meeting IMF conditions, which require maintaining government revenue at 15 percent or more of the gross domestic product (GDP).
By addressing gaps in income generation channels through digital transformation, the plan is expected to facilitate the achievement of higher revenue targets and ensure compliance with IMF guidelines.