Having sent the outstanding VAT refund details collected from the members, prior to the meeting to the relevant Officials, it enabled them to come prepared to clarify the outstanding issues and work towards expediting the refunds. The direct discussions the members had with the Authorities gave both parties the opportunity to voice their concerns and for the Officials to explain the issues they faced in processing these refunds. The outcome was an extremely useful and productive interaction, resulting in many of the issues being resolved and the Export Companies can now look forward to early settlement of their dues. Senior Officers from the Inland Revenue, who participated, were Ms.Mallika Samarasekara – Deputy Commissioner General – Inland Revenue,W M W Kumarasiri – Commissioner – VAT Refunds, Ranjani Silva – Deputy Commissioner – VAT Refunds,J.A.A.Parakrama – Deputy Commissioner VAT Refunds,M L M Thahir – Deputy Commissioner – VAT Refunds,M.K H Karunaratne – Assessor and E K N Edirisinghe – Assessor. This meeting was spearheaded by the EASL Chairperson Ms.Nirmali Samaratunga and was conducted by EASL Vice Chairman,Lasantha Wickremasekera. Members of the EASL Managing Committee were also present at this meeting in addition to a large section of exporters from the membership.