A Sri Lankan opposition lawmaker’s decision to publish his monthly salary slips has sparked public debate and prompted the Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) to file a Right to Information (RTI) request seeking clarity on how lawmakers’ income taxes are calculated.
Kalutara District MP Jagath Withana of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya shared payslips on Facebook showing his salary, allowances and tax deductions from January to May 2025. The documents revealed that in May, Withana earned Rs. 327,713.92, while only Rs. 3,728.53 was deducted as Advance Personal Income Tax (APIT).
The disclosure drew criticism online, with many noting that private sector employees earning similar salaries pay significantly higher monthly taxes. Under tax reforms introduced in April, an employee earning Rs. 300,000 is liable to pay at least Rs. 20,000 in monthly APIT.
In a letter dated July 9, the GMOA asked Parliament to disclose how allowances and pensions for MPs are determined and whether they receive tax exemptions not available to other professionals. The group also requested information on the legal basis for any such exemptions and how pensions are calculated.
The GMOA urged authorities to respond within 14 working days, as required under the RTI Act No. 12 of 2016. (Newswire)
