Presidential Secretary warns of mounting PAYE tax burden on citizens

The Presidential Secretary has raised concerns about the escalating pressure being placed on citizens through Pay As You Earn (PAYE) tax obligations, stating that urgent measures are needed to address the situation. The remarks underscore growing anxiety within government circles about the tax burden being borne by the public as the country navigates its economic challenges.

PAYE taxation, which is deducted directly from employee wages, has become an increasingly contentious issue as household budgets face sustained pressure from inflation and rising living costs. The Presidential Secretary's intervention suggests that the scale of the problem has reached levels requiring high-level policy attention.

The warning comes as Sri Lanka continues to work through broader economic difficulties, with tax policy forming a critical component of revenue generation and fiscal management. The government appears to be grappling with the competing demands of maintaining revenue collection while providing relief to workers already struggling with reduced purchasing power.

No specific measures or timelines were indicated in the statement, but the emphasis on urgent action suggests that policy adjustments to the PAYE system may be under active consideration at the highest levels of government.