Sri Lanka, April 10 -- The Inland Revenue Department (IRD) has reported a strong start to 2026, collecting Rs. 606,002 million in tax revenue during the first quarter of the year, marking a 17.7% increase compared to the same period in 2025.

According to an official statement, the performance continues the upward momentum from 2025, when the department recorded its highest-ever annual revenue. The latest figures reflect tax collections from January 1 to March 31, 2026.

The IRD noted that growth was driven by increased contributions across major tax categories, including Income Tax (IT), Value Added Tax (VAT), and the Social Security Contribution Levy (SSCL).

The growth in revenue collection has been driven by several factors, including...