In Sri Lanka, cryptocurrencies are legally classified as intangible assets or property, not as legal tender or currency. While holding and trading crypto is legal, the sector remains largely unregulated, without a dedicated framework. The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) has issued warnings regarding cryptocurrencies and prohibits banks from processing crypto-related transactions, though it is exploring the implementation of a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC). The Inland Revenue Department (IRD) is the primary authority governing crypto taxation, operating under the Inland Revenue Act, No. 24 of 2017, which also provides the basis for its guidelines. For individuals, gains from the sale or exchange of cryptocurrencies are subject to a flat 10% capital gains tax. This rate applies whether you convert crypto to fiat currency or exchange one cryptocurrency for another. There are no reduced rates or exemptions based on the holding period. Other crypto income, such as from business activities, is taxed under the general individual progressive income tax rates, which range from 12% to 24% depending on your total income. Additionally, a 15% Goods and Services Tax (GST) may apply when using crypto to purchase goods or services, particularly if the crypto's value has increased since its acquisition. For corporations, general corporate tax rates apply, as no crypto-specific rate has been stipulated. Regarding specific crypto activities, mining is treated as a business activity, and the income generated is included in your total taxable income, subject to the progressive individual income tax rates. However, there is currently no specific official guidance on the tax treatment of staking, decentralized finance (DeFi) activities, or Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs). As noted, crypto-to-crypto exchanges are taxable events, attracting the 10% capital gains tax on any realized gains. The regulatory environment in Sri Lanka is evolving. While the IRD has provided some guidelines, further regulations are anticipated. Notably, the CBSL announced in 2024 that it is exploring the introduction of a Central Bank Digital Currency.
Tax Rates
| Effective individual rate | 12 |
| Capital gains tax | 10% flat rate on gains from crypto sales/exchanges |
| Income tax on crypto | 12-24% progressive rates, mining taxed as business income |
| Corporate tax | General corporate tax applies, crypto-specific rate not specified |
| VAT | 15% GST may apply on goods/services purchased with crypto |
Activity Taxes
| Staking | Not addressed in official guidance |
| Mining | Taxed as business income, treated as ordinary taxable activity |
| DeFi | Not addressed in official guidance |
| NFTs | Not addressed in official guidance |
Taxable Events
| Crypto → Fiat | Taxable, capital gains tax applies at 10% |
| Crypto → Crypto | Taxable, capital gains tax applies at 10% |
Holding Period
| Holding period benefit | None, no reduced rates or exemptions for holding period |
Sources