Long queues were reported at Inland Revenue Department (IRD) offices across Sri Lanka today (03), as members of the public continued to face difficulties obtaining Taxpayer Identification Numbers (TIN).
At the Inland Revenue Department’s regional office in Kalutara, large crowds were seen waiting in queues, with several individuals complaining of delays and difficulties in obtaining their TIN certificates.
Some applicants claimed they had been waiting in queues since morning, while others said they had visited the office repeatedly over several days without being able to complete the process.
Several individuals alleged that they were unable to obtain their TIN certificates yesterday due to a system breakdown, despite waiting for several hours.
Others complained that they had taken leave from work to visit the office but were repeatedly turned away and asked to return with additional documents or on another day.
Members of the public also expressed frustration over having to wait in long queues despite rainy weather, calling on authorities to address the situation.
Some individuals criticised the government, claiming that delays in obtaining TIN certificates were affecting their ability to complete vehicle-related transactions, including obtaining driving licences and revenue licences.
One individual appealed directly to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to intervene, stating that people who had voted for the government were now facing significant difficulties due to administrative delays.
Others warned that continued inconvenience to the public could lead to growing dissatisfaction with the government.
Under Sri Lanka’s tax regulations, obtaining a TIN is mandatory for all resident individuals who reached the age of 18 on or before December 31, 2023, as well as those turning 18 on or after January 1, 2024.
The surge in applications follows the government’s decision to make TIN certificates mandatory for eight categories of financial, commercial and administrative transactions from November 1, 2026. (Newswire)