Sri Lanka’s Tax Revenue Surpasses Rs. 2 Trillion in First Nine Months of 2026

COLOMBO, October 3, 2026 — Sri Lanka’s Inland Revenue Department (IRD) collected more than Rs. 2.04 trillion in tax revenue during the first nine months of 2026, marking a significant increase in government revenue collection and strengthening the country’s fiscal position.

According to an official media release, tax collections reached Rs. 2,040 billion by September 30, 2026, representing a 24% increase compared with the same period last year.

The IRD collected Rs. 1,642 billion during the first nine months of 2025, meaning tax revenue has increased by approximately Rs. 398 billion year-on-year.

The strong revenue performance also means the Department has already achieved 85% of its full-year tax revenue target for 2026, with three months remaining in the year.

The latest figures point to a substantial improvement in the government’s revenue mobilisation capacity, providing additional fiscal space as Sri Lanka continues efforts to strengthen public finances and improve domestic revenue collection.

The continued growth in tax receipts is also expected to remain important for the government’s fiscal consolidation efforts, particularly as it works to maintain revenue performance while supporting economic recovery and public-sector financing requirements.