COLOMBO: Sri Lanka on Tuesday announced a goods and services tax rise after the International Monetary Fund held back a bailout loan tranche because of its failure to meet revenue targets.

The island nation defaulted on its $46 billion foreign debt last year during an unprecedented economic crisis.

Its government has dramatically hiked taxes and cut generous consumer subsidies to repair its ruined finances in line with an IMF rescue plan.

Government spokesman Bandula Gunawardana said another tax rise was needed after the IMF held back a $330 million loan tranche because Sri Lanka’s tax revenue was still not meeting outlays.

Published in Dawn, November 1st, 2023

Follow Dawn Business on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook for insights on business, finance and tech from Pakistan and across the world.

Opinion

Editorial

Interest rate cut
Updated 11 Jun, 2024

Interest rate cut

The decision underscores SBP’s confidence that economic stability is gaining traction.
Rampant zealotry
11 Jun, 2024

Rampant zealotry

Decades of myopic policies pursued by the state have further aided the radicalisation of significant portions of the population.
Cricket breakdown
11 Jun, 2024

Cricket breakdown

THERE was a feeling that Pakistan had finally turned the corner in their T20 World Cup campaign. Sadly, it was only ...
Approaching budget
Updated 10 Jun, 2024

Approaching budget

Many are sceptical of the premier and finmin of translating their words into well-defined actions in the budget. Will they prove their doubters wrong?
A fresh start?
10 Jun, 2024

A fresh start?

After a decade of acrimony and mistrust, it is natural to tread carefully. But the ball is in India’s court. Backchannel and Track II diplomacy can be revived.
Hidden cams
10 Jun, 2024

Hidden cams

THE Digital Rights Foundation has drawn attention to a disturbing trend that seems to only be ballooning instead of...