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.

Source: Sunday Times November 23, 2016 10:43 UTC