IRD launches street survey in Colombo to widen tax net

Friday, 30 January 2026 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Exercise covers Colombo Municipal Council areas 1 to 15
Field teams deployed to identify unregistered taxpayers
QR codes used to support compliance and data capture

The Inland Revenue Department (IRD) has launched a street-level survey across Colombo to identify taxpayers and improve compliance, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen revenue collection.

The survey, which commenced on Tuesday, is being carried out in Colombo Municipal Council areas 1 to 15. Special field teams from the IRD are conducting visits to commercial establishments in these areas.

During the exercise, IRD officials were observed inspecting business premises and placing stickers carrying QR codes, intended to facilitate taxpayer identification and support tax compliance.

Economic Development Deputy Minister Nishantha Jayaweera participated in the launch of the survey alongside Departmental officers.

The IRD said the initiative is aimed at identifying unregistered businesses, updating taxpayer information, and ensuring that eligible entities are brought within the formal tax system, as part of broader revenue administration reforms.