📈 Govt. Eyes Incentives for SME Equity Investors & Tax Relief for Venture Capital

• Key Policy Initiative: The Government is planning to incentivize equity investors in SMEs and introduce tax relief for venture capital companies, aimed at stimulating early-stage funding and enterprise growth. • 2027 Budget Focus: Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe announced that proposed measures—likely to be unveiled in the upcoming 2027 Budget—will focus on enabling angel investments and boosting startups alongside broader SMEs. • Key Provisions: • Proposal to introduce a tax allowance for equity investments in SMEs. • Addressing and resolving double taxation issues currently affecting venture capital investments in startups. • Event Context: Announced at the National SME Forum Scale Up 2.0, organized by The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce’s Centre for SMEs in Colombo.