Voluntary tax compliance vital for state coffers - President

President Mahinda Rajapaksa said voluntary tax compliance of citizens is essential to enhance government revenue.

President Rajapaksa was addressing a ceremony in Colombo last Friday to launch the Annual Report 2012 of the Finance and Planning Ministry.

The President stressed that professionals and entrepreneurs have a key role to play in the country's development drive, as the country strives to stand shoulder to shoulder with other key developed nations.

"The government has embarked on a massive development drive and today, the people are reaping the benefits of these development initiatives. The government remains committed to provide all facilities available to the rural and city communities and we have to make sure that the dividends of development reach all nooks and corners of the country", the President said.

"It is also the responsibility of entrepreneurs and professionals in the country to help Sri Lanka achieve set development targets", the President said. "The government's mammoth development drive can not be halted by allegations and external forces. Today, Sri Lanka is witnessing rapid economic growth as a result of the government's prudent economic polices.

The economic and development policies of the country should be implemented not only for the betterment of the present generation but also for the country's future generation", the President said.