Major Tax Updates in Sri Lanka Under the Inland Revenue (Amendment) Act No. 11 of 2026
The Act, certified on 3 June 2026, introduced several important reforms for the Year of Assessment 2026-2027, especially for capital gains, interest income, and investment incentives. (ird.gov.lk)
1. Revised Capital Gains Tax (CGT) Rates
With effect from 3 June 2026, Sri Lanka revised CGT rates:
- Individuals and partnerships: 15%
- Trusts, unit trusts/mutual funds, NGOs: 30% (ird.gov.lk)
2. Enhanced Capital Allowances (ECA)
If you invest in depreciable tangible assets (non-intangible) in a new business undertaking exceeding USD 250,000, the ECA entitles you to 100% depreciation write-off in the year of acquisition. This is effective from 1 April 2026. (ird.gov.lk)
3. Waiver of Interest for Certain Late or Under-Payments
Interest penalties on late or under-paid taxes (including surcharge and levy) up to the Year of Assessment 2024-2025 will be waived — provided the principal tax is paid in full by 2 December 2026. (ird.gov.lk)
4. Self-Declaration to Avoid Withholding Tax on Interest Income
Resident individuals earning interest from banks/financial institutions who have no taxable income (i.e. assessable income ≤ LKR 1,800,000) can submit a self-declaration to avoid withholding tax (WHT) on that interest. This applies from Y/A 2026-2027 onward. (ird.gov.lk)
Who Should Take Note
- Investors, trusts, NGOs realizing capital gains — new rates may change your tax liability materially.
- Entrepreneurs or companies investing heavily in fixed assets above USD 250,000: consider optimizing your Capex to leverage ECA.
- Resident individuals with modest incomes and interest earnings: consider self-declaration to improve cashflow.
- Taxpayers who historically paid interest or late penalty interest: time-bound opportunity to regularize without interest charges.
Practical Examples
- Ms. A, a resident individual who sells shares for a profit will now pay 15% CGT, down from the previous higher tier.
- Company B invests in plant & machinery worth USD 300,000 to set up manufacturing: entire machine-cost can be written off immediately via ECA.
- Mr. C, who earns LKR 1.6 million (incl interest) this year is eligible to avoid WHT on interest by submitting self-declaration, saving upfront deduction.
Action Steps to Benefit
- Review your investments and project planned disposals to compute tax under new CGT rates.
- If planning a large investment, ensure you have documentation to show it’s a new business undertaking, costs of each depreciable asset, and that the USD threshold is met.
- For interest income and no other taxable income, submit self-declaration timely to your bank/financial institution.
- Pay any outstanding principal tax by 2 December 2026 to benefit from interest waiver.
These reforms reflect Sri Lanka’s push for investment-friendly policies and easing compliance burdens. With some strategic planning, taxpayers can optimize outcomes under the new amendments.