Srilanka, Nov. 2 -- Large crowds gathered at the Inland Revenue Department's head office and regional offices today (02), following the implementation of a new requirement making Taxpayer Identification Numbers (TIN) mandatory for eight specified activities including opening bank accounts.

The new requirement, which came into effect on November 01, prompted many people who had not yet obtained a TIN number to visit Inland Revenue offices to complete their registration.

The sudden influx of applicants also caused significant disruptions to the department's website, as large numbers of people attempted to apply for TIN numbers online simultaneously. The website was subsequently taken offline temporarily for maintenance.

Under the new re...