Business
Retrospective tax law is bad, says professional
‘Section 38 on Deemed Assessed Value could infringe on tax payers’ rights’
by Sanath Nanayakkare
Speaking at a Webinar held on the 2nd June 2021.on “Recent Amendments to the Inland Revenue Act” Shamila Jayasekara Partner – Head of Tax & Regulatory said that in principle, retrospective tax law was bad as it could have negative consequences on the concluded transactions of businesses.
Sharing her concerns and views on the topic she said,” A lot of changes made to the tax code are incentives provided through the form of tax exemptions, the concessionary rate being applied to a large number of sectors, the qualifying payments allowed and expanded, the withdrawal of withholding taxes, the expansion of deductible tax expense”.
“Those were the plus factors of the tax proposals to give relief to businesses. Now, they are retrospective. Some of the agriculture tax excemptions come in from April 2019 and the others from January 2020. so we need certain clarifications and guidelines to be issued by The Inland Revenue Department fast, so we can implement them during this month. Then as practitioners, we can amend returns that have already been submitted and filed.”
“Another area I want to bring is another area is; there were certain changes that were done which were not budget proposals and which were not announcements in press statements either with retrospective effect going back to April 2018. Now in principle, I think retrospective tax law is bad, but in circumstances when certain incentives were given and published, then of course you become aware of these changes though the law may not be there. But it should not hit you as a surprise when you read the tax amendments because these have consequences to concluded transactions of businesses. I don’t think it is positive from the tax side where you suddenly find you have concluded a transaction and then you find the tax law has changed with retrospective effect. What has happened has happened but it should not happen. I understand that even in the current amendments there are gaps. If you take concessions given to SMEs, I think there is a bit of doubt as to what an SME is. I understand these changes and I know that the policymaker can change those, but those should be done prospectively. It should not be a retrospective change because tax law is a fiscal law and no one would know the thinking behind policies ,so you go on the wording of the law, therefore, any change should be prospective’
“Further, the introduction to section 38 of a deemed assessed value on the realization of investment assets; you are to consider it on the market or an assessed value or the value given by a valuer.. But if the commissioner is of the view that is not reflective of market value then he can determine an alternate value. I think that gives a lot of room for arbitary valuations and a lot of disputes. With regard to this section, there is no penal code either because the law empowers the determined value to be accepted as the assessed value. That will of course infringe on the tax payers rights,” she said.
The Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Sri Lanka (AHK Sri Lanka) proudly facilitated the first-ever Sri Lankan delegation’s participation at Drupa 2024, the world’s largest trade fair for the printing industry and technology. Held after an eight-year hiatus, Drupa 2024 was a landmark event, marking significant advancements and opportunities in the global printing industry.
AHK Sri Lanka played a pivotal role in organising and supporting the delegation, which comprised 17 members from the Sri Lanka Association for Printers (SLAP), representing eight companies from the commercial, newspaper, stationery printing, and packaging industries. This pioneering effort by AHK Sri Lanka not only showcased the diverse capabilities of Sri Lanka’s printing sector but also facilitated vital bilateral discussions with key stakeholders from the German printing industry.
Business
Unveiling Ayugiri: Browns Hotels & Resorts sets the stage for a new era in luxury Ayurveda Wellness
In a captivating reimagining of luxury wellness tourism, Browns Hotels & Resorts proudly unveiled the exquisite Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort Sigiriya. This momentous occasion, celebrated amidst a vibrant and serene grand opening on the 6th of June, heralds a new chapter in the Ayurveda wellness tourism landscape in Sri Lanka. Nestled amidst 54 acres of unspoiled natural splendour, Ayugiri features 22 exclusive suites and stands out as the only luxury Ayurveda wellness resort in the country offering plunge pools in every room, rendering it truly one-of-a-kind.
The grand opening of Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort was an enchanting event, where guests were captivated by the melodies of flutists and violinists resonating through Sigiriya’s lush landscapes. As traditional drummers and dancers infused the air with vibrant energy, Browns Hotels & Resorts’ CEO, Eksath Wijeratne, Kotaro Katsuki, Acting Ambassador for the Embassy of Japan and General Manager, Buwaneka Bandara, unveiled the resort’s new logo, marking a significant moment witnessed by distinguished guests from the French Embassy, Ayurveda and wellness enthusiasts along with officials from the Sigiriya area, LOLC Holdings and Browns Group.
“Our strategic expansion into wellness tourism with Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort Sigiriya symbolises a significant milestone for Browns Hotels & Resorts. Wellness tourism has consistently outperformed the overall tourism industry for over a decade, reflecting a growing global interest in travel that goes beyond leisure to offer rejuvenation and holistic well-being. By integrating the timeless wisdom of Ayurveda with modern luxury, we aim to set a new standard in luxury wellness tourism in Sri Lanka. Whether your goal is prevention, healing, or a deeper connection to inner harmony, Ayugiri offers a sanctuary for holistic well-being” stated Eksath Wijeratne.
Ayugiri encapsulates the essence of life, inspired by the lotus flower held by the graceful queens of the infamous Sigiriya frescoes. Just as the lotus emerges from the murky depths, untainted and serene,
Ayugiri invites guests on a journey of purity and rejuvenation, harmonised with a balance of mind, body and spirit, the essence of nature, echoes of culture and the wisdom of ancient Ayurvedic healing.
HNB General Insurance, one of Sri Lanka’s leading general insurance providers, has been honored as the Best General Bancassurance Provider in Sri Lanka 2024 by the prestigious Global Banking and Finance Review – UK.
The esteemed accolade underscores HNB General Insurance’s unwavering commitment to excellence and its outstanding performance in the field of bancassurance. Through dedication and hard work, the HNB General Insurance team has continuously endeavored to deliver innovative insurance solutions, cultivate strong relationships with banking partners, and provide unparalleled service to customers nationwide. This recognition is a testament to the team’s dedication and relentless pursuit of excellence in the bancassurance business.
“We are honored to receive this prestigious award, which reflects our team’s tireless efforts and dedication to delivering value-added insurance solutions and exceptional service through our bancassurance partnerships,” said Sithumina Jayasundara, CEO of HNB General Insurance. “This recognition reaffirms our position as a trusted insurance provider in Sri Lanka and motivates us to continue striving for excellence in serving our customers and communities.”
US sports envoys to Lanka to champion youth development
Rahuman questions sudden cancellation of leave of CEB employees
