Sri Lanka to Implement E-Invoicing for VAT and Connect POS Systems to Tax Authority

Sri Lanka plans to implement e-invoicing linked directly to the tax office, starting with selected sectors and exporters, to digitalize VAT payments and speed up refunds, with international technical support.
E-invoicing will enable real-time sales tracking, VAT collection, and integration with POS systems, improving tax transparency but raising concerns similar to Vietnam’s SME protests over implementation challenges.
The government also aims to introduce a digital ID system to enhance tracking, though it faces privacy opposition and controversy over state control, reflecting debates seen in more authoritarian and democratic countries.

E-invoicing