South Asian Regional Parliamentarian Forum on Fair Taxation  

The South Asian Regional Parliamentarian Forum on Fair Taxation convened on 11 December 2025 in Colombo. The forum aimed to strengthen cooperation, promote progressive and transparent fiscal policies, and build momentum toward people-centered taxation that reduces inequality, improves public services, and promotes economic justice. 

In the plenary session, chaired by Dr. Dilli Raj Khanal (former MP, Nepal), parliamentarians shared country perspectives. Hon. Lakmali Hemachandra (Sri Lanka) outlined the challenges of balancing debt servicing, IMF conditions, and progressive reforms, noting efforts to reduce VAT on essential goods and shift toward direct taxation. Hon. Ahmar Bhatti (Pakistan) criticized regressive tax regimes and elite capture, calling for regional solidarity to strengthen fiscal justice. Hon. Ismail Nizar (Maldives) emphasized tackling corruption and modernizing tax collection systems to ensure revenues benefit vulnerable populations. Discussions underscored common regional challenges; reliance on indirect taxes, weak enforcement, corruption, and external constraints imposed by global financial institutions.  

Closing remarks by Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe, Deputy Minister of Labour (Sri Lanka), reinforced the need for fairness, transparency, and consistency in tax policy. He highlighted Sri Lanka’s ongoing reforms to reduce reliance on indirect taxation and broaden the tax base, urging for consistent, progressive, and transparent taxation policies that prioritize public welfare and sustainable economic growth.  

The forum concluded with a collective call to action: South Asian countries must reclaim fiscal sovereignty, strengthen democratic accountability, and ensure that taxation serves the people rather than elites. By advancing progressive, transparent, and equitable tax systems, the region can mobilize resources for justice, dignity, and sustainable development.