The Centre for Human Rights and Research (CHR Sri Lanka) has identified 12 tax revisions introduced by the Government over the past two years, claiming that several have increased the financial burden on the public.

The changes include increases in excise duties, vehicle import taxes, withholding taxes and capital gains tax, as well as the introduction of an 18% VAT on foreign digital services.

The Centre stated that the measures had affected households, small and medium-sized enterprises and several essential sectors.

It has urged the Government to consider the impact of taxation on food supplies, healthcare, education, agriculture and fisheries when preparing the upcoming Budget.