Economy

Freelancers, individuals to pay 15% Dollar tax?

Published

1 year ago

February 25, 2025

The government’s 2025 budget outlines a 15 per cent services export tax for individuals in Sri Lanka who provide services to external parties and bring back foreign exchange, it was reported.

According to EconomyNext, the Head of Tax Services at BDO Sri Lanka, Sarah Afker said freelancers doing IT work for foreign parties and other professionals who provide services to foreign parties fall under this category.

Afker explained that the services export tax had been listed as a corporate tax in the budget, but Bills to amend the Inland Revenue Act published later indicate that the tax also applied to individuals.

She added that from 01 April 2025, that particular description, as well as any other foreign source income, will be liable for a 15 per cent tax.

Sarah Afker highlighted the following key factors linked to the tax;

The tax will apply if the money is brought back to Sri Lanka through the banking system. Up to now, such incomes were exempted, to encourage foreign exchange earnings.
Under changes proposed to the Inland Revenue Act on individual income tax, income up to 1.8 million rupees is exempt from tax. The next 500,000 is taxed at 6 per cent.
The earlier 12 per cent tax will be removed and the next 500,000 slab will be taxed at 18 per cent.
Foreign exchange earnings will be at 15 per cent, above the 6 per cent rate without an upper limit.
Corporates who export services are taxed only on profits after deducting expenses.
Individuals could also try to submit an income statement and charge expenses.

The tax specialist added that the services export tax has been included as the International Monetary Fund had proposed a 30 per cent tax, but the government had negotiated it down to 15 per cent.

Economy

Sri Lanka’s export earnings surpass USD 7.3 bln in first five months of 2026

Published

1 day ago

June 24, 2026

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Sri Lanka’s export sector has recorded significant growth during the first five months of 2026, with total export earnings exceeding the USD 7.3 billion mark.

According to provisional data released by Sri Lanka Customs, together with estimated figures for gems and jewellery and petroleum product exports, total earnings from merchandise and service exports between January and May 2026 amounted to an estimated USD 7,393.39 million. This represents a 7.56% increase compared to the corresponding period in 2025.

During the same period, merchandise export earnings increased to USD 5,758.44 million, recording a growth of 7.63% year-on-year.

The service exports sector also showed positive performance, generating USD 1,634.95 million in revenue, reflecting a 7.31% increase compared to the previous year.

Meanwhile, in May 2026 alone, merchandise exports recorded a growth of 18.25%, while service exports increased by 18.67% compared to the same month in the previous year.

Economy

Cabinet approves electrification of key railway corridors in Sri Lanka

Published

2 days ago

June 24, 2026

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The Cabinet of Ministers has approved a proposal to electrify key railway corridors in Sri Lanka as part of a long‑term transport modernization strategy.

Corridors with high commuter density have been prioritized for electrification, with support expected from international development institutions.

Currently, most railway operations rely on diesel power, and officials have highlighted the need to upgrade tracks, signaling systems, and related infrastructure to improve efficiency and reliability.

The government’s new programme focuses on constructing additional lines, building double tracks, modernizing signals, and introducing electrification to create a modern rail transport system.

According to the government, the initiative aims to expand passenger capacity, reduce travel times, and contribute to an environmentally friendly and sustainable public transport service.

The Cabinet approved the proposal presented by the Minister of Transport to begin electrification in the following routes:

Main Line — Maradana to Ragama, including station upgrades at Gampaha, Veyangoda, Mirigama, and Polgahawela.

Kelani Valley Line — Maradana to Makumbura.

Coastal Line — Maradana to Panadura

Economy

Sri Lanka Exports Rise 6% Despite Global Challenges

Published

4 days ago

June 21, 2026

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Export Development Board (EDB) says that despite the global economic difficulties arising from the military conflicts in the Middle East, the country’s exports have shown a six percent growth during the first four months of this year compared to 2025.

The Chairman of the Export Development Board Mangala Wijesinghe said that, given this trend, there is a strong possibility of exceeding last year’s revenue targets, which already represented the highest export revenue in the country’s history.