More meetings against govt’s tax regime

PHILADELPHIA - Three people became the targets of two shootings within a two-hour span, and now officials say the man who pulled the trigger is in custody.Quiseer Russell is accused of carrying out the shootings, which began at Dilworth Plaza just before midnight on February 13.A 29-year-old uniformed security guard told investigators he was working when a group entered the plaza after hours. Police say the unarmed guard tried to get the group to leave, but one man refused, and a physical altercation broke out.Video shared by police shows the guard punching Russell once before the suspect pulls out a handgun and fires two shots at the guard.The bullet struck a window on a nearby café at the plaza, missing the guard.MORE HEADLINES:About two hours later, officials say Russell and two unknown males engaged in another altercation with two men at Broad and Snyder streets.When they pursued Russell by vehicle, the suspect fired one round into the vehicle, according to officials. The bullet hit one of the men in the leg.Russell was arrested Monday and charged with aggravated assault, possession of an instrument of crime and related offenses in connection to both shootings.

oe Biden speaks at the International Association of Fire Fighters legislative conference in Washington, DC, US, on Monday, March 6, 2023. The Biden administration is nearing completion of an executive order that would restrict investments by US compa WASHINGTON - President Joe Biden on Tuesday proposed new taxes on the rich to help fund Medicare, saying the plan would help to extend the insurance program's solvency by 25 years and provide a degree of middle-class stability to millions of older adults.In his plan, Biden is overtly declaring that the wealthy ought to shoulder a heavier tax burden.

Two Americans whose abduction in Mexico was captured in a video that showed them caught in a cartel shootout have been found dead, officials said Tuesday. Two others who were kidnapped with them were found alive, with one wounded.

block JetBlue Airways' $3.8 billion purchase of Spirit Airlines, saying Tuesday that the deal would reduce competition and drive up air fares for consumers.The Justice Department said the tie-up would especially hurt cost-conscious travelers who depend on Spirit to find cheaper options than they can find on JetBlue and other airlines.Attorney General Merrick Garland held a news conference to announce the antitrust lawsuit — a sign of the importance that the administration places on stopping further consolidation in the airline industry."If allowed to proceed, this merger will limit choices and drive up ticket prices for passengers across the country" and "eliminate Spirit's unique and disruptive role in the industry," he said.The Justice Department lawsuit, filed in federal district court in Boston, stressed that the deal would mean the end of the nation's biggest "ultra-low-cost carrier." Those are airlines that generally provide the cheapest fares but also tend to charge more fees.The Justice Department lawyers said Spirit's demise would eliminate about half of all ultra-low-cost seats in the market.New York, Massachusetts and the District of Columbia joined the lawsuit. JetBlue and Spirit vowed to continue fighting to salvage their agreement.JetBlue and Spirit have anticipated a legal challenge for weeks.

Channel 4 show Mucky Mansion. Katie turns her attention to her outside space tonight and sprucing up her garden, but a trip to a garden centre turns into a nightmare when she spots a photographer. As she picks up some compost, she notices the photographer and warns him she will call the police because he's "stalking" her.

TEMPE, Ariz. - New details surrounding the arrest of a man for allegedly committing a sexual act at the Tempe Town Lake area on Mar. 5 have been released.According to court documents, 30-year-old Jonathen Baxter is accused of public sexual indecency in connection with the incident, which happened during the afternoon hours of Mar.

HOUSTON - Two podcasters were filming their latest episode at a Houston coffee shop Saturday when a car crashed into the window right behind them. The incident was all caught on camera and fortunately, both men walked away with minor scratches.MORE UNUSUAL STORIESThe freak accident happened around 4:30 p.m.

FILE - In this photo illustration lie two asthma inhalers in a handbag on Feb. 3, 2021 in Bonn, Germany.

In Niger, a COVID-19 vaccination team heads out into the countryside to reach people outside their clinic. ©WHO

Colombo (News 1st) – State Minister of Technology Kanaka Herath stated that Sri Lanka is in need of an Online Safety Act to regulate social media.He made these comments during an adjournment motion presented by the ruling faction highlighting the importance of regulating social media and formulating relevant laws in Parliament on Tueday (07)."SLCERT is empowered to regulate this. They will initiate a program in this regard.

Pennsylvania who went missing more than 30 years ago and was legally declared dead has turned up, very much alive, in a nursing home in Puerto Rico.Patricia Kopta, 83, was last seen by her family in Pittsburgh in 1992, according to a missing person flyer posted by the Pennsylvania Emergency Response Center. At the time, she was a well-known street preacher known as “The Sparrow” because of her slight build.Her husband Bob Kopta reported her missing in 1992, noting it wasn’t uncommon for his wife to leave for short periods of time.

Colombo (News 1st) – The International Monetary Fund announced on Tuesday (07) that Sri Lanka has received financial assurances from all its major bilateral creditors. This paves the way for the IMF Board to consider the approval of the Staff Level Agreement for financing under the Extended Fund Facility on March 20.Earlier in the day, China gave assurances that it will support Sri Lanka's debt restructuring, clearing the biggest hurdle for the nation to secure a USD 2.9 billion bailout from the IMF. The IMF approval for a USD 2.9 billion loan depended on financial assurance from all Sri Lankan creditors.

FILE - Rachael Ray speaks onstage at the 46th annual Daytime Emmy Awards at Pasadena Civic Center on May 05, 2019 in Pasadena, California. (Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images)After 17 years of cooking delicious food and interviewing celebrities to entertain the masses, Rachael Ray is saying goodbye to her talk show, "Rachael Ray." "In my more than 20 plus years in television I have had 17 wonderful seasons working in daytime television with Rachael.

Cleveland-area metal factory injured at least 13 people and prompted multiple fire crews to respond Monday. Witnesses said an explosion occurred at the I Schumann & Co. metal and paint plant in Oakwood Village just after 2 p.m, Fox 8 reported.

FILE - A TSA security screening checkpoint is pictured at an airport in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. (Photo by: Jeff Greenberg/Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images) ATLANTA - The woman flying out of Philadelphia’s airport last year remembered to pack snacks, prescription medicine and a cellphone in her handbag.

A Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officer at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) this week stopped a passenger with an assault rifle and 163 rounds of ammunition from being carried onto a plane headed to Houston. (Cr NEW ORLEANS - An officer with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) stopped a passenger last week with an assault rifle and 163 rounds of ammunition, the agency said. Officials said the 52-year-old passenger would've carried the items onboard a plane at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) heading to Houston. A deputy with  Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office arrived and confiscated the Palmetto PA-15 Multi AR firearm loaded with 30 rounds of .300 caliber ammunition.

The official start to tax season begins on Monday, Feb. 20, this year as the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) opens its portal for Canadians to file.

FILE IMAGE - The Oscar Mayer Wienermobile is parked in West Reading, Pennsylvania on July 11, 2019. (Photo By MediaNews Group/Reading Eagle via Getty Images) Days after reports surfaced of a catalytic converter theft involving an Oscar Mayer Wienermobile in Las Vegas, PETA has offered to pay for the replacement part and maintenance for one year if the company converts the vehicle to a vegan hot dog mobile.President Ingrid Newkirk made the offer to Carlos Abrams-Rivera, Executive Vice President and President of The Kraft Heinz Company - North America Zone, in a letter sent Thursday.

Pink is opening up about her mental and physical health.

UPPER MERION TOWNSHIP, Pa. - The Upper Merion Police Department has arrested four suspects in connection with check fraud and mail thefts in the town. According to police, in late winter and early spring of 2022, the department received numerous reports from town residents about stolen checks and missing mail. The thefts involved United States Postal Service mailboxes throughout the township, residential mailboxes and overnight drop mailboxes at a USPS service facility located on Allendale Road in King of Prussia, authorities say. RELATED: 'It's very brazen': Police investigating rash of mailbox thefts in Upper Merion, King of PrussiaOfficials say victims realized their stolen checks had been altered and cashed at banks across the Philadelphia area and in other states. Some residents had checks stolen that were set to be used for payment of federal, state or local taxes and some for personal medical procedures, police say. According to authorities, there have been 307 documented cases of mail theft that resulted in a loss of more than $2 million to victims. Police say they believe the number is higher as cases go unreported and victims work with their banks to report the fraud. Efforts from the Upper Merion Police Department's Internet Crime and Technology Unit helped lead to the identification of four suspects, per police. Nearly 200 search warrants were issued in the multi-agency investigation, according to officials. Police identified and arrested Davon Broughton, 27, of Camden, John Klotz, 18, of Camden, Kayla Massa, 26, of Camden and Joshua Crews, 39, of Las Vegas, in connection with the crime. Davon Broughton pictured in a booking photo from Upper Merion Police.  (Upper Merion Police Department)Authorities say the

PHILADELPHIA - A wild Super Bowl party near Temple's campus left two alum with severely damaged cars and some Temple students are working to make it right. On Super Bowl Sunday, a video circulating on social media showed a silver Volvo being flipped before rowdy Eagles fans jumped on top of it. FOX 29's Kelly Rule spoke with the owner of the Volvo, Temple alum Cole Harper, who said he was in the city to watch the Super Bowl with his friends who live on the block. According to Harper, they went to a Center City bar and by the time they returned to Arlington Street, the block party was way out of control and he went inside. RELATED COVERAGE"I looked out the window, I just saw my car upside down. It was in shambles.

John Tory has submitted his formal resignation, days after he announced plans to step down following an affair with a former staffer.Tory made the announcement in a statement issued late Wednesday evening. “I will be spending the next two days in meetings with Deputy Mayor Jennifer McKelvie and City staff to continue to ensure an orderly transition,” Tory said in his statement.The resignation is effective on Friday.

FILE - A woman walks through the city on April 11, 2019, in Binghamton, New York. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images) Some 17% of the American population — or more than 1 in 6 people — were age 65 or older in 2020, and the aging population is projected to continue growing in the coming years. A report published in late 2022 by the Administration on Aging, which operates under the U.S.

FILE IMAGE - A man with hay fever and a tissue stands next to a flowering shrub. (Photo by Angelika Warmuth/picture alliance via Getty Images) Even though it's the dead of winter, scientists are already warning about spring allergies. Trees are leafing out weeks early, and plants are blooming, creating allergy issues for many across the country. "We're seeing activity way ahead of schedule across the southern states.

Indian Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal on Tuesday (14) met Sri Lanka's High Commissioner Milinda Moragoda and discussed support for economic recovery through bilateral trade expansion.During the discussion between Minister Goyal and High Commissioner Moragoda, which was held in a very cordial manner, a wide range of issues pertaining to the areas of bilateral trade and commerce, particularly aiming at the economic recovery in Sri Lanka, was discussed, read High Commission of Sri Lanka press release.Mechanisms relating to the expansion of bilateral trade, the ways to establish and promote rupee trade between Sri Lanka and India as a means of economic recovery in Sri Lanka, and the possibility of further bilateral integration in the textiles and garment sector were among the key issues discussed between the Indian Commerce Minister and the Sri Lankan High Commissioner.Moragoda thanked India for the unprecedented support that it has extended to Sri Lanka to mitigate the negative impact of the economic crisis.Recalling India's timely issuance of financial assurances to the IMF, the first creditor to do so, High Commissioner Moragoda emphasized the key role that India could play in the recovery phase of the Sri Lankan economy, added the press release.India sent financing assurances to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), becoming the first of Sri Lanka's creditors to officially back the crisis-hit island nation's debt restructuring programme.This takes Sri Lanka one step closer to getting a crucial USD 2.9-billion package from the IMF, made contingent on "receiving financing assurances from Sri Lanka's official creditors and making a good faith effort to reach a collaborative agreement with private

COLOMBO (News 1st); Postal Voting for the upcoming Local Government Election will go ahead as planned on the 22nd, 23rd, and 24th of February 2023, confirmed the Chairman of the National Election Commission Attorney Nimal Punchihewa on Wednesday (15).He said that the distribution of the ballot papers for Postal Voting was delayed, though the distribution process was scheduled to commence on Tuesday (14).However, the Government Printer said that an issue arose regarding the provision of the ballot papers for the Postal Vote due to funding issues.In the meantime, the National Election Commission and the Government Printer had engaged in a series of talks and based on those discussions the Government Printers is expected to deliver the ballot papers for postal voting in the coming days.Moreover, Election Monitors have decided to take legal action against the conduct of the Government Printer for failing to deliver the ballot papers.Election Monitors said that the Government Printer has taken an unconstitutional decision to not deliver the ballot papers.Rohana Hettiarachchi, the Executive Director of the People's Action for Free & Fair Elections (PAFFREL) said the National Election Commission must also take legal action against the Government Printer.Secure packages containing the ballot papers for postal voting were to be handed over to Sri Lanka Post on Wednesday (15), however as the ballot papers were not delivered, the process was suspended indefinitely as per a decision reached by the National Election Commission on Tuesday (14). 

High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to India, Milinda Moragoda met with the Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister of India Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday (14) at the Ministry of Finance in New Delhi, as the latest of a series of meetings he has had with her since November 2021.The meeting between the Finance Minister of India and the High Commissioner of Sri Lanka took place just ahead of the first meeting of the G20 Finance Ministers scheduled to be held on 24-25 February 2023 in Bengaluru, chaired by Minister Sitharaman.During the discussion, High Commissioner Moragoda once again thanked Minister Sitharaman for the unprecedented emergency assistance that India has extended to Sri Lanka and for the timely issuance of India’s financial assurances to the International Monetary Fund, concerning the country’s debt restructuring process.The High Commissioner also thanked India and Minister Sitharaman for the assistance being provided to Sri Lanka in the present economic recovery phase, in particular for the necessary regulations and approvals that are being set in place to facilitate rupee trade between the two countries. The discussion also focused on the ways and means to utilize the available resources in the 1 billion USD Indian line of credit to import urgently required essential pharmaceuticals, which are in short supply in Sri Lanka.

Dr Nick Axten in the early 1970s and on the day of his graduation. (Credit: University of Bristol) BRISTOL, England - A 76-year-old University of Bristol student finally received his doctorate more than 50 years after starting. In 1970, Dr. Nick Axten received a prestigious Fulbright scholarship to pursue his doctorate in mathematical sociology at the University of Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania. But five years later, he had to leave the university and returned to the United Kingdom without obtaining his degree. RELATED: These are the most and least educated states in AmericaOn Valentine's Day 2023, Axten was awarded his doctorate from the University of Bristol in front of his wife, Claire, and their 11-year-old granddaughter, Freya.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka has announced a certified price for paddy purchasing during the Maha Cultivation Season.Agriculture Secretary Gunadasa Amarasekera speaking to News 1st said that the Finance Ministry has issued the relevant circular for this purpose.Accordingly, a kilogram of paddy with moisture will be purchased for Rs. 88/- and a kilogram of dry paddy will be purchased for Rs.

PHILADELPHIA - Former Philadelphia council member David Oh has announced his candidacy for Philadelphia mayor. Oh made the announcement Monday, making him a Republican in a crowded race with several Democrat candidates. His campaign alleges he has the most diverse supporters of any candidate in the race. RELATED COVERAGEOh, a Philadelphia native, was elected to City Council At-Large in November 2011, re-elected in November 2019 and began his third term in January 2020. In a statement accompanying Oh's candidacy announcement, he said: "Philadelphia is the historic and cultural epicenter of this great nation. This wonderful city I’ve called home and served as Councilmember in for the last 11 years – is the birthplace of America, and the cradle of our legacy of liberty.

Saskatchewan RCMP are warning the public of an unusually high number of scam calls involving cryptocurrency being reported across the province in 2022.

Read more: N.B. company helps study wastewater for COVID-19, mpox at Toronto Pearson airport Read next: Part of the Sun breaks free and forms a strange vortex, baffling scientists He says there are now more than two dozen subvariants of the virus being located in the wastewater.“In recent months, it’s become increasingly difficult to detect new variants in wastewater, because at any given time, we are finding evidence of 20 or 25 subvariants,” he stated in a release from the school.The researchers don’t actually test for subvariants but are looking for mutations of subvariants such as the “Kraken” XBB.1.5 through genomic sequencing.In addition, a  few weeks ago, the Public Health Agency of Canada announced that the project was expanding to conduct separate testing of the wastewater from flights arriving from China and Hong Kong.What makes it tough is attempting to find the specific new variants of concern as they wade through all of the different subvariants.“If you think about it as a puzzle, it used to be just a 10-piece puzzle.

COVID-19 since the pandemic emerged nearly three years ago, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) confirmed Monday — a sobering reminder that the virus remains a deadly concern.The national death toll first crossed 50,000 last Tuesday, according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University and confirmed by a Global News analysis of provincial health data.By Monday, the toll had reached 50,135, according to PHAC, which reports national data weekly based on provincial reports that are released throughout the week.Quebec, which is the only province that still reports COVID-19 data daily, has seen the most confirmed deaths of any jurisdiction with 17,865 fatalities to date. Ontario has the second-highest provincial death toll as of Friday, which sits at 15,786, followed by Alberta at 5,470 deaths as of Wednesday.British Columbia has seen 5,007 deaths according to the most recent data released on Thursday, a day that also saw Saskatchewan report a total of 1,826 deaths to date.

paycheck to paycheck in December came in at 64%, according to the report. That figure equated to about 166 million and marked a 3% jump year-over-year.In December 2021, 61% were living that way, the report said.The report, conducted in collaboration with PYMNTS, polled over 3,900 consumers in the U.S. The surveys took place Dec.

battles a nationwide outbreak of the coronavirus after abruptly easing restrictions that were in place for much of the pandemic.Australian health authorities said Sunday that from Jan 5. all air travelers from mainland China, Hong Kong or Macao will need to show a negative COVID-19 test taken within two days of their departure.Canadian authorities announced similar measures that will also come into effect Jan.

Māori and Pacific peoples aged 40-49 will be eligible for a second Covid-19 booster from Friday 18 November to provide additional protection from the virus, Deputy-Director General and head of the Public Health Agency Dr Andrew Old, said today. The decision by the Director-General of Health to expand second booster eligibility follows a recommendation from the Ministry of Health’s COVID-19 Vaccine Technical Advisory Group (CV TAG) that lowering the eligible age to 40 years will hel

PHILADELPHIA - Gun violence struck Philadelphia yet again leaving 10 people shot, four of them fatally, as Super Bowl weekend kicked off across the city.A double shooting Saturday night claimed the life of a 31-year-old man found shot multiple times inside an apartment on Sheffield Avenue. The second victim, an 18-year-old man, is in critical condition.Just 10 minutes later, a 33-year-old man was shot six times on the 1400 block of Butler Street.

COLOMBO (News 1st); General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, NI (M), the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee of Pakistan called on President Ranil Wickremesinghe in Colombo on Friday (10).General Sahir Shamshad Mirza  arrived in Sri Lanka for a three day visit.Recalling the long-standing close relationship between Sri Lanka and Pakistan as friendly countries, the President joined General Zaheer Shamshad Mirza and others in a cordial conversation.General Sahir Shamshad Mirza also presented a momento to President Wickremesinghe.

COLOMBO (News 1st); General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, NI (M), the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee of Pakistan arrived in Sri Lanka for a three day visit.The visiting General and his entourage arrived in the island at the cordial invitation extended by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Shavendra Silva WWV RWP RSP VSV USP ndc psc MPhil. Commencing the official tour in Sri Lanka, General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, NI (M) visited the Office of the Chief of Defence Staff where the visiting General was formally received in a colourful Guard of Honour, accorded on his behalf by the troops of the Sri Lanka Army. Chief of Defence Staff General Shavendra Silva and General Sahir Shamshad Mirza dedicated time for the discussions highlighting the importance of continued close relations between the two friendly nations and recalled the past memories and assistance readily extended to Sri Lanka, particularly during the height of the combat against the LTTE terrorism and remembered the bonds of understanding and goodwill that prevails between two forces throughout the years. Further, CDS conveyed his gratefulness to the Pakistan Defence Forces for the support extended to the defence sector of Sri Lanka in numerous means such as training and modern military equipment to the Sri Lankan Armed Forces. At the same time, CDS thankfully emphasized the assistance extended during the disastrous situations and stated that he looked forward to continuing the strong ties in the same spirit in the future as well.As the cordial discussions drew to a close, General Shavendra Silva symbolized the existing sound working relations by presenting a special memento to the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, Pakistan while wishing him all

The Court of Appeal has extended the interim order preventing the collection of the PAYE tax from the salaries of judges till the petition is supported.The government recently imposed taxes between 6% to 36% on the salaries of those earning more than 100,000 rupees a month. The Judicial Services Officers Union filed an appeal with the court challenging the decision, and the court issued an interim order suspending the collection of PAYE tax from Judges.When the matter was taken up today (09 Feb.), before a judge bench, comprising Justices Dhammika Ganepola, Neil Iddawela and Sobhitha Rajakaruna the interim order issued to prevent the collection of the PAYE tax from the salaries of judges was extended. The petition will be taken up again on the 21st of this month.   

COLOMBO (News 1st);  Bank employees reported to work dressed in Black to protest against the government's tax regime.The Ceylon Bank Employees Union said that all members reported to work dressed in Black in support of the National Protest Day.The Ceylon Bank Employees Union also said that the government has failed to respond to the amendments put forward by the professionals with regard to the new tax policy, and thus strict trade union action will be instituted.Over 3,000 bank employees from Public, Private and International Banks joined the protest.The Inland Revenue Department on Wednesday (8) issued a circular on exempting non-cash benefits provided to employees including vehicle, fuel allowances, housing, medical benefits etc. from the PAYE tax.These also include the value of company shares or the share options offered by employers, the value of the telephone allowances and concessionary rate loans obtained by employees. However, the Government Medical Officers' Association alleged that the amendments to the PAYE Tax were made to benefit only the 225 MPs in Parliament.Dr.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Inland Revenue Department on Wednesday (8) issued a circular on exempting non-cash benefits provided to employees including vehicle, fuel allowances, housing, medical benefits etc. from the PAYE tax.These also include the value of company shares or the share options offered by employers, the value of the telephone allowances and concessionary rate loans obtained by employees. However, the Government Medical Officers' Association alleged that the amendments to the PAYE Tax were made to benefit only the 225 MPs in Parliament.Dr.

The Government of Switzerland has contributed Swiss Francs (CHF) 500,000 through UNICEF to meet the urgent needs of children impacted by the economic crisis in Sri Lanka.With this funding, UNICEF will procure essential medical supplies, including medicines for treatment of illnesses and complications among children and women.In education, the funds will help children in disadvantaged schools continue learning and support catch-up classes to recover learning loss, including by providing transport allowance to teachers and daily snacks to students.UNICEF will also support case management for children facing violence, neglect and family separation, including children with a disability.“UNICEF and partners swiftly responded to the needs of the most vulnerable children from the outset of the economic crisis last year, with thanks to the support of donors. This contribution from the Swiss government and people is crucial in sustaining the response and protecting children from the effects of the crisis as it continues”, said Christian Skoog, Representative, UNICEF Sri LankaThe Swiss contribution will also be used to support data collection and analysis to assess the impact of the on-going crisis on households’ social and economic well-being and vulnerabilities, to help national and development partners put in place effective response strategies.“Switzerland has worked closely with many partners, including UNICEF in addressing the needs of communities during crises such as the one that Sri Lanka faces now.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe as the Minister of Finance, Economic Stabilization and National Policy has instructed the Treasury Secretary to only provide provisions for essential government expenses in order to maintain public services until the state revenue situation improves.The list of expenditure to be funded include salaries, debt servicing, pensions, medical supplies for hospitals, subsidies for low-income groups, scholarships, farmers’ pensions, school nutrition programs, payments for war heroes and disabled soldiers, utility payments, food supplies for hospitals and prisons, among others.This move is expected to have a significant impact on the economy, as it will prioritize the most important needs of the people and prevent funds from being misused. The Treasury has stressed the importance of sticking to the list of essential expenditure, as releasing funds for any other purpose could negatively impact the people and slow down the country’s economic recovery.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Non-cash benefits were removed from the PAYE tax category, said President’s Trade Union Director General Saman Ratnapriya on Wednesday (8).A Senior Official from the Finance Ministry also confirmed that the relevant circular was issued.The government's controversial new tax law, the Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill, was passed in Parliament and the new tax regime imposed an extraordinary maximum 36% tax bracket on monthly income, with the lowest bracket starting at 6% for those earning over Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Military and Police Units equipped in riot gear were seen stationed at multiple locations in Fort, Colombo as Trade Unions launched protests against the governments' unjust tax regime.Trade Unions in Sri Lanka have declared Wednesday the 8th of February as a day for protests.Trade Unions are protesting against the government's failure to address the medicine shortage, and the unjust tax regime imposed by the government.The Government Medical Officers Association, a party to the Professionals' Trade Union Collective launched a 24-hour token strike across all Private and State hospitals.The Federation of University Teachers' Association also decided to engage in a one-day token strike.Trade Unions from the electricity, water supply, petroleum and port sectors organized joint protests in Fort, Colombo on Wednesday (8) afternoon.Port sector trade unions announced a work-to-rule action in the morning, and joined the protest in the afternoon.The water supply, petroleum and power supply sector trade unions announced that they will take sick leave on Wednesday (8) and join the protest without reporting to work.Activities across hospitals, universities, divisional secretaries, and other sectors affected by the trade union action launched by the Professionals' Trade Union CollectiveHowever, the Ceylon Electricity Board Technological Engineers and Superintendent Union stated that although they support the protest against the unjust tax regime, they will be taking necessary measures to supply electricity without disruption. A.G.U.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe said that if the country continues according to the existing plan, Sri Lanka can rise out of bankruptcy by 2026.While delivering his Government’s Policy Statement following the ceremonial opening of the parliament session, President Wickremesinghe said that people will realize the importance of the present unpopular decisions in two to three years."Due to the measures taken, we have been successful in reducing the burden gradually. Now there is stability in the economy. People are comfortable.