Exporters Association facilitates greater awareness on VAT Refund through dialogue with Inland Revenue VAT Officials
Following the very productive discussion organized for the exporter community a few months ago by the Exporters Association of Sri Lanka to discuss and resolve the problem of long overdue VAT Refunds, as a follow up, it was felt that an awareness building Seminar on VAT Refunds, was necessary.
The seminar "Understanding VAT Refunds" held on 30th March at EDB Auditorium, aimed at creating greater awareness and educating the exporter, on the modalities of applying for VAT refunds, in order that the refund could be obtained within a reasonable period of time. The Seminar also aimed at facilitating a cordial and close dialogue between the Inland Revenue Officials and the business community so that the Officials too could be apprised of the issues faced by the businesses, and provide them an opportunity to seek clarification.
A panel of Senior Inland Revenue Officials from the VAT Division and the VAT Refund Division, and headed by Deputy Commissioner General, Department of Inland Revenue, Mrs. Mallika Samarasekera, conducted a very useful and informative interaction with the participants, who numbered over 100, indicating the high degree of interest on this subject. The keynote presentation was made by Mrs. Deepani Herath, Deputy Commissioner VAT Refunds who took the participants through a very comprehensive presentation on the VAT Refund Scheme, how it was formulated, and the various aspects of the scheme. A frank and an open discussion followed, where many questions were put up by the Companies seeking clarification on the scheme as well as raising the matter of outstanding refunds. This gave them a better understanding how to resolve their VAT related issues. The Officials clarified matters wherever possible whilst asking some of the exporters to meet them individually to resolve specific issues.
The panel comprised of Senior Key Inland Revenue Department Officials namely: Mrs. Mallika Samarasekara - Deputy Commissioner General, Mr W M W Kumarasiri -Commissioner, VAT Refunds, Mr. M G Somachandra - Deputy Commissioner, VAT, Mrs. B D D Herath - Deputy Commissioner, VAT Refunds, Mr. H I M Thahir - Deputy Commissioner VAT Refunds, Mr.T Karunadasa - Deputy Commissioner, VAT Refunds, and Mrs. Ajantha Guneratne - Deputy Commissioner, VAT Refunds
The outcome of the Seminar was a very useful and productive interaction between the Government Officials and the business community enabling both sides to understand the other position and the issues faced. The Seminar is expected to play a valuable role in expediting VAT Refunds and the Exporters Association of Sri Lanka placed on record their appreciation to the Senior Officials of the Inland Revenue Department for the ready co-operation and support extended by their participation, and positive feedback. The Seminar was spearheaded by Chairperson-EASL, Mrs. Nirmali Samaratunga and assisted by Vice Chairperson Mrs. Dawn Austin.