Government: Latest News

Humza Yousaf has written to the UK Health Secretary Steve Barclay asking for more funding to help avert industrial action later this winter.

Which areas will be given more attention in this year's budget?The State Minister of Finance stated that special attention will be paid to cover the bills which have so far remained unpaid, and will also include an aid program for the country's poor.Moreover, the State Minister Semasinghe said that more avenues for the promotion of tourism sector, the promotion of other sectors which function to increase the country's foreign exchange revenue will also be other areas which the bill would focus upon. The State expenditure will be mitigated, while loss-making entities will also be focused upon in this budget, he added.What of IMF negotiations?Meanwhile, State Minister Semasinghe stated that bilateral creditors of the country will continue to hold negotiations, while the Government expects to set the grounds to obtain the IMF Director board's approval by December. He stressed that NO country or any bilateral creditor party is acting on the premise of not extending its support towards Sri Lanka. The third set of negotiations with the IMF authorities will be initiated on 17th November, the State Minister added.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A Backbench Business Committee debate on the UK response to the human rights and economic situation in Sri Lanka took place on Wednesday (9) in the House of Commons chamber.UK MPs called for Sri Lanka to cut down on its military spending to overcome the economic crisis.UK MP Elliot Colburn noted that for Sri Lanka to be rescued, it needs to reduce its military spending, which stands at $1.86 billion per annum. "All of Sri Lanka’s projections for emerging out of the economic crisis are predicated on the country retaining its generalised scheme of preferences and trade concession. That annual trade concession is worth more than $500 million and has boosted Sri Lanka’s exports to EU member states over the years," said the MP adding that however, Sri Lanka has failed to meet the key labour and human rights requirements for receiving that preferential treatment, and the EU recently issued a warning that it is set to lose its concession if it continues to ignore its obligations. "As a key stakeholder at the IMF, the UK Government should propose conditions on any IMF financial assistance for Sri Lanka during the current economic crisis, including that Sri Lanka should carry out a strategic defence and security review to reduce its military spending, remove the military from engaging in commercial activities, meet the criteria for GSP+, and re-engage with the UNHRC process.

Scotland’s Health Secretary met with A&E staff and management at Wishaw General where he received a “blunt” reminder of the pressure they are currently under.

The UK Government has dismissed a new online petition calling for a full review into the way the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) administers Personal Independence Payment (PIP), specifically the role independent assessors play in the application process. The petition has received nearly 15,000 signatures of support so far, passing the threshold of 10,000 which has resulted in an official response from the DWP.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A delegation headed by the National Hydrographer of the United Kingdom, Rear Admiral Rhett Hatcher called on Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne at the Navy Headquarters yesterday (8).The cordial discussion among them mainly focused on several matters about hydrography. The occasion was also attended by the Chief Hydrographer of the Sri Lanka Navy and Joint Chief Hydrographer to the Government of Sri Lanka, Rear Admiral Prasad Kariyapperuma and Defence Advisor at the British High Commission in Colombo, Colonel Paul Clayton.The cordial discussion drew to a close with an exchange of mementoes between the Commander of the Navy and the National Hydrographer of the United Kingdom.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation is continuing to make losses, revealed the coutry's State Minister of Power and Energy in Parliament on Wednesday (9).     Minister of State for Power and Energy D.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Western Province Education Department said that the Principal of the Millaniya Primary School in Horana who was remanded for torturing a group of Grade 5 students will be suspended.Director of the Western Province Education Department Srilal Nonis said a separate investigation is underway over the incident, and the inquiry will be led by an official from the Ministry of Education of the Central Government.Chairman of the National Child Protection Authority Udaya Kumara Amarasinghe said that the police jeep in the custody of the NCPA will be presented to the Government Analyst for tests and a report will be obtained.This is confirm the claims made by the students that they were given electric shocks inside the police jeep by police officers.Two Police officers and a school principal were remanded to the 16th of November for torturing grade five students at the Millaniya Primary School in Horana.The body has been accused of stealing money from teachers.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Senior Advisor to the President on National Security and Chief of Staff of the President Sagala Ratnayake met with Faris Hadad-Zervos, the World Bank Country Director for Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka on Tuesday (8).He recalled that Faris Hadad-Zervos, the World Bank Country Director for Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka was amazed by the action policy and the vision of President Ranil Wickremesinghe which was revealed during their meeting recently.The WB Country Director also expressed his willingness to support the President’s vision. “The president’s vision for the country includes some measures that go beyond what the IMF or WB has stipulated.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The United Nations (UN) team in Sri Lanka and non-governmental organisations have today revised and extended their joint Humanitarian Needs and Priorities (HNP) Plan, which aims to provide life-saving assistance to 3.4 million people amid Sri Lanka’s worst economic crisis since independence.Since June, the HNP has been responding to the Government's request for UN-backed multi-sector support for Sri Lanka's debt and food and medicine shortages. Governments and donor agencies have helped the humanitarian community reach over 1 million of the country's most vulnerable people with cash, food, school meals, medicine, protection, and livelihood support. The HNP aligned with appeals from other UN agencies has raised US $79 million for Sri Lanka thanks to landmark support from the U.S and USAID, Australia, and Japan including JICA, the UN Central Emergency Relief Fund (CERF), as well as Canada, Denmark, Norway, New Zealand, Italy, EU, Switzerland, France, and with additional support from the UK, Germany, Thailand, Sweden, Georgia, Latter Day Saint Charities and private individuals and organizations including Brandix Apparels Ltd, Hemas Holdings PLC, Dilmah Ceylon Tea Company PLC, Daraz (Alibaba Group), Amana Bank PLC and the Citi Foundation. The HNP's revision extends the plan through 2022 and requires US $70 million in additional funds to reach a total of US $149.7 million."We are immensely appreciative of the solidarity the international community has shown with the people of Sri Lanka, including through their generous contributions to the HNP.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe proposed to establish an International Climate Change University in Sri Lanka with an ancillary institute in the Maldives to counter obstacles in implementing climate action plans.He was speaking at the COP-27 Conference in Egypt on Tuesday (8), and noted that the institution would be the first of its kind in the world."This seat of learning can be a global centre for green and blue studies, for scientists, environmentalists, researchers, policymakers, development practitioners, and students the world over to inter-change knowledge, transcending national and disciplinary boundaries," said the President.He went on to note that the envisaged climate change university will offer both short-term courses, and post-graduate academic awards to build capabilities on mitigating and adapting to climate change and stressed on the collaboration of multilateral institutions and organizations such as the Commonwealth, World Bank and the Asian Development Bank amongst others needs to be sought for the establishment of the institute of higher learning making it a multi-stakeholder partnership transcending national boundaries. "It is my hope that Sri Lanka's proposal will receive extensive support and endorsement from the international community.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – MP Premnath C.

COLOMBO (News 1st) –  Dr. Harsha De Silva is the Chairman of the Committee on Public Finance and he told the Parliament on Tuesday (8) that the state expenses would increase by Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – 217 detainees who were arrested for their involvement in the recent brawl at the Kandakadu Treatment and Rehabilitation Center were remanded.Police Spokesperson & Attorney SSP Nihal Thalduwa told News 1st that the detainees were produced to the Polonnaruwa and Hingurakgoda Magistrate Courts and were thus remanded.Commissioner General of Rehabilitation Major General Darshana Hettiarachchi told News 1st that an investigation is underway over the brawl, adding that a five-member committee comprising of senior ranks will investigate the brawl at the Kandakadu Treatment and Rehabilitation Center.The report prepared by this investigation body will be handed over to the Justice Minister upon completion.Sri Lankan authorities said that scores of detainees held at the Kandakadu Treatment and Rehabilitation Center fled the premises following Sunday (6) night's brawl.According to reports, the cause of the brawl was a dispute over the use of a bucket used for bathing at the premises.547 detainees were at the Kandakadu Treatment and Rehabilitation Center at the time of the brawl.The Commissioner General of Rehabilitation said that steps will be taken to start assessing the damage caused to the facility following the brawl, and it will be carried out by government officers.On the 29th of June 2022, a brawl broke out at the same facility resulting in the death of one detainee, while 400 others escaped.Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe has called for a full report on the Kandakadu Rehab Center incident.The President's Media Division said that the necessary steps needed to be taken to avert a recurrence of such incidents have also been called for, following discussions with Justice Minister Wijeyadasa

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lankan authorities held a virtual meeting with Sri Lanka’s official creditors agains on Friday (4).The meeting was chaired by the Secretary to the Treasury and the Ministry of Finance, K M Mahinda Siriwardana, and the Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe.The meeting represents another important step towards securing International Monetary Fund (IMF) Board approval for Sri Lanka’s IMF program.Sri Lanka reached a Staff-Level Agreement with the IMF on a four-year program supported by the Extended Fund Facility on 1st September 2022. The program, amounting to USD 2.9bn, is expected to restore macroeconomic stability and debt sustainability while protecting the vulnerable and safeguarding Sri Lanka’s financial system.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Sri Lankan Government has announced via an Extraordinary gazette that electricity supply, petroleum production and distribution, hospital services have been declared as essential services. 

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Colombo Dockyard PLC, successfully launched a Cable Laying and Repair Vessel (C/S Sophie Germain) to Orange Marine France on 3rd November 2022Colombo Dockyard PLC is the leader of Shipbuilding Industry in Sri Lanka and one of the most competitive Shipyards in South Asia, the launch for Orange Marine France puts Colombo Dockyard on course with its shipbuilding activities, resilient and undeterred by the challenges faced. Orange Marine is a French company specializing in the field of submarine telecommunications, from the initial design, engineering, to installation of intercontinental and regional links, and maintenance of existing cables. The ceremonial launching took place at the Dock No 2 of CDPLC premises and the occasion was graced by the participation of owners, representatives from Embassy of France in Sri Lanka, Embassy of Japan in Sri Lanka, officials from government institutions including Sri Lanka Navy, Export Development Board (EDB), Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA), Sri Lanka Customs, Officials from state and private banks, ship designers, Class surveyors, CDPLC top management and employees. 

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Former Minister Professor G. L.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka reached a Staff-Level Agreement with the IMF on a four-year program supported by the Extended Fund Facility on 1st September 2022. The program, amounting to USD 2.9 bn, is expected to restore macroeconomic stability and debt sustainability while protecting the vulnerable and safeguarding Sri Lanka’s financial system. This agreement remains subject to IMF Executive Board approval.The IMF program has been centred around Sri Lanka’s ambitious reform program. The government’s reform agenda is based on four pillars: 1.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lankan authorities held a virtual meeting with Sri Lanka’s official creditors on Thursday (3). The meeting was chaired by the Secretary to the Treasury and the Ministry of Finance, K M Mahinda Siriwardana, and the Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, Dr. P.

Prime minister Shehbaz Sharif has taken notice of and “severely condemned” the firing incident at Imran Khan’s long march container in Wazirabad.He has instructed Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah to seek an immediate report on the incident from the IGP and chief secretary Punjab, according to a tweet from the Government of Pakistan’s official Twitter account.After a man opened fire at PTI chairman Imran Khan to injure him in Gujranwala, party leader Shahbaz Gill said that "Imran Khan is our red line and an attempt has been made to cross that red line."He also said that Khan will fight till his last breath.Following the incident, the PTI chairman has been shifted to a hospital.

In May this year, figures released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed that there are now 4.8 million disabled people across the country in employment, an increase of 1.3 million since 2017, delivering on a UK Government goal to see one million more in work by 2027.

John Swinney has blamed Brexit for causing a recruitment crisis in Scotland which he claims is impacting every sector of the economy.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Sri Lanka Government has decided to purchase medicines directly from the suppliers.Secretary of the Health Ministry Janaka Chandragupta said that the necessary purchasing orders are being made, and there is a shortage of 150 types of medicines in the country at present.He said that based on the purchasing orders, the necessary medicines will reach Sri Lanka in a fortnight.Over 1,700 medicines including medical equipment were to be imported via the Indian Line of Credit, however, a shortage has arisen due to the delay in delivery.Meanwhile, an expert committee has been appointed to consider the next steps to be taken regarding the expired Pfizer vaccines.It is headed by the Director General of Health Services.The Ministry of Health said that further decisions will be taken based on the recommendations of the relevant committee.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The EU-Sri Lanka Sixth Working Group on Governance, Rule of Law and Human Rights met in Colombo on 28 October 2022 and the European Union has encouraged tangible progress by Sri Lanka on its GSP+ commitment.The Working Group meeting took place in the context of regular bilateral interactions between Sri Lanka and the European Union (EU). The two sides discussed the recent developments in Sri Lanka and the EU, and the implementation of relevant action and legislative initiatives regarding the promotion and protection of human rights. Sri Lanka briefed the EU on progress in reconciliation.The EU re-affirmed its commitment to support Sri Lanka’s efforts to successfully overcome the current unprecedented economic crisis, including the necessary reforms and social protection measures, which would mitigate the adverse impact of the crisis and lead the country towards sustainable growth and prosperity.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna marked its sixth anniversary on Wednesday (2) and Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa who participated in a media briefing at the party headquarters said that no one can secure governance through violence.The MP who represents the SLPP said the party always followed democratic means and always considered the welfare of the Sri Lankan people when making decisions as a party.He said due to these policies the SLPP was able to secure power across a majority of the Pradeshiya Sabhas and also a 2/3 majority in the Sri Lankan parliament following the Presidential election victory with 6.9 million votes."We need to modernize our party. As a party that always follows democracy, we need to identify the issues faced by our people and then modernize our party accordingly.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the United States, concurrently accredited to Mexico, Trinidad and Tobago Mahinda Samarasinghe met with Secretary-General of the Organization of American States (OAS) Ambassador Luis Almagro, recently at the Organization’s Headquarters in Washington DC. He presented letters of credence as a permanent observer to the Organization, one of 71 countries with this status. During the interaction with the Secretary-General (a former Ambassador, Foreign Minister and Senator from Uruguay), the Sri Lankan Ambassador briefed him on the steps being taken by the Government of Sri Lanka to overcome the present economic challenges and the progress achieved to date.The Ambassador adverted to Sri Lanka’s relative lack of resident diplomatic representation in OAS countries with only four Missions operating in the 35 member states (United States, Canada, Brazil and Cuba). He inquired of the Secretary-General if Sri Lanka could use the good offices of the OAS to expand and strengthen ties with the other states, to which the response was encouraging and positive.The potential for further enhancing trade with OAS countries was also mentioned during the discussion. The Secretary-General welcomed such initiatives.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Based on the request made by the Ministry of Health of Sri Lanka to assist in acquiring medical supplies for Sri Lanka, the High Commission of Sri Lanka in Kuala Lumpur reached out to the Government of Malaysia for their support. The Government of Malaysia has extended a goodwill gesture by donating a consignment of urgently required medical supplies to Sri Lanka.At a symbolic handing-over ceremony held at the Ministry of Health of Malaysia on 31 October 2022, Minister of Health of Malaysia, Khairy Jamaluddin symbolically handed over the donation which is valued at USD 63,100/- to the High Commissioner of Sri Lanka in Malaysia, Air Chief Marshal (Rtd) Sumangala Dias.Sri Lanka’s National carrier, Sri Lankan Airlines graciously agreed to airlift the donation free of charge and the consignment was dispatched by Flight UL 319 which departed from Kuala Lumpur recently to Colombo.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Foreign Minister Ali Sabry,PC says Sri Lanka must start promoting itself and go beyond speaking about the country's strategic location."We have been talking about the strategic location for too long and everybody knows about it. I think there is nothing more to dwell on that.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's National Water Supply and Drainage Board said that Rs. 6.5 Billion in unsettled bills are pending from consumers.Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Chinese Government donated 10.6 Million Liters of diesel to farmers and fishermen in remote areas of Sri Lanka to upgrade the agriculture and fisheries industries.Currently, the agriculture and fisheries industry is facing severe difficulty due to the shortage of diesel to operate machinery and boats.The shipment is scheduled to reach the country between November & December and will be distributed to the needy soon.

(PMD) – A meeting was held at the Presidential Secretariat yesterday (31) to inform the President about the private member’s proposal presented by Parliamentarian Premanath C. Dolawatta, which will strengthen President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s policy of increasing the opportunities for the youth community in the decision-making process of the country.During the meeting, MP Dolawatta said that his private member’s proposal, which has been submitted as a bill to amend the 262nd Local Government Elections Ordinance, adds constitutional value to the President’s policy of providing more opportunities to the youth in elections, to strengthen the democratic representation system.The MP also said that the draft includes the necessary provisions to confirm the youth representation of at least 25% in the first and second nomination lists of the local government elections.He noted that according to the recommendations of the Special Commission appointed to look into youth unrest in 1990, the importance of ensuring greater opportunities for the youth in democratic representation systems was highlighted.Accordingly, in 1990, by adding an amendment to the Local Government Ordinance, provisions were introduced to confirm 40% of opportunities in the preparation of local government nomination lists by political parties and independent groups, according to Dolawatta.However, although a positive step was taken by confirming 25% representation of women in the local government bodies, the condition of mandatory youth representation was lost in the relevant amendment, noted Premanath C.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Cabinet of Ministers approved the Prime Minister's proposal that ministers should not travel abroad during the sitting days of parliament and the budget debate.However, in case of urgent medical needs or very urgent work of the government, ministers are allowed to travel abroad.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka on Monday (31) introduced a cycle to work program to promote cycling among public sector employees as a solution to the transporation crisis.The Cycle to Work progrma to promote cycling among public sector employees was organized by the Ministry of Urban Development and Housing.The aim of this program is to encourage government employees to commute using bicycles as a solution to the transportation crisis. Kick starting the initiative, a group of public sector employees cycled from Battaramulla to Sethsiripaya on Monday (31) morning.Meanwhile, a tree planting program was organized at te Setshiripaya Premises in line with World Cities Day.

(Reuters) – Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva narrowly defeated President Jair Bolsonaro in a runoff election on Sunday that marked a stunning comeback for the leftist former president and the end of Brazil's most right-wing government in decades.Brazil's Supreme Electoral Court declared Lula the next president, with 50.9% of votes versus 49.1% for Bolsonaro. The 77-year-old Lula's inauguration is scheduled for Jan.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The family of a Surinamese woman arrested with cocaine in Sri Lanka have appointed a Surinamese lawyer to appear for her case.The government of Suriname has refuted media reports that a Surinamese woman arrested in Sri Lanka has been sentenced to death on suspicion of drug smuggling. The woman was arrested by the Customs Narcotics Control Bureau on October 18 for possession of over two kilograms of cocaine at the Katunayake Airport.The 25-year-old woman, who had arrived at the Katunayake Bandaranaike Airport through Doha, Qatar from Brazil, was questioned by the Sri Lanka Customs Narcotics Control Bureau officers, due to her suspicious behavior.During the investigation, the officers discovered 2,553 grams of cocaine, in tins, labeled as containing food.The suspect was subsequently detained and charged with the offense of drug smuggling.The Suriname Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Business and International Cooperation has become involved in the matter on the basis of the Vienna Convention on Consular Traffic’ (Arts 5 and 36 paragraph 1c) and ‘the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Traffic’, adding that information is requested from Sri Lanka.The Surinamese government has taken steps in accordance with these preconditions and the embassy in New Delhi, India, immediately contacted the authorities in Sri Lanka.After confirming the suspect’s arrest, the Surinamese embassy in New Delhi immediately requested permission from the Sri Lankan authorities for consular access to the person concerned, either virtually or physically.In the meantime, a Surinamese lawyer has been appointed by the suspect’s family as a contact person, and information is exchanged with the family via this communication

Colombo (News 1st) – The Sri Lanka Air Force under the guidance of the Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Sudarshana Pathirana together with the Faculty of Agriculture at the University of Peradeniya and Central Environment Authority launched the seventh wave of seed bombing at Wattegama Kebilitta Government Forest Reserve in the Siyamblanduwa Divisional Secretariat.The Command Agro Unit at SLAF Base Katunayake under the leadership of Group Captain PE Gunawardena and the Department of Forest Conservation organized this mission to achieve the aim of improving the forest density of Sri Lanka to reach the sustainable development goals of the country by increasing the forest cover from 27% to 32% by the year 2030.The first wave of the mission was executed at the Ranorawa government forest in a five acres land area and approximately 5,000 seed bombs were released. During the second wave, 67,000 seed bombs were dropped over a 60 acres area inside the forest of Lahugala in Ampara. The third wave which was conducted in December 2020 saw the dropping of approximately 30,000 seed bombs over 25 acres of land area within the Lahugala National Park. The fourth wave was carried out in the Lahugala National Park where 70,000 seed bombs were dropped over a 60-acre area. The fifth wave was carried out in the Kebilitta Government Forest Reserve where 80,000 seed bombs were dropped over a 75 acres area. Through the sixth wave, 65,000 seed bombs were dropped on over 70 acres of area inside the same forestry at Siyambalanduwa Divisional Secretariat.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Ven. Omalpe Sobhitha Thero emphasizes that oppressing people to stabilize State income should be condemned.The Chief Congregant of Southern Sri Lanka for the Ramanna Sect, Ven. Dr.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – According to think tank Verité Research, the Government's approval rating has risen from 3% in June to 10% in October.The third round of the Gallup Style “Mood of the Nation” poll was conducted in October by Verité Research.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Government will appoint a committee to seek how best to integrate the Tamils of Hill Country Origin further into the Sri Lankan Society, said President Ranil Wickremesinghe.He said further that although some of the Tamils of Hill Country Origin had integrated successfully into the Sri Lankan society, some have failed and measures would be taken to assist them to do so.President Ranil Wickremesinghe made these observations addressing at the occasion of accepting a consignment of medicines donated by the Pondicherry Union Territory and people of India on the request of Ceylon Worker’s Congress (CWC) at the Presidential Secretariat this morning (30).The consignment of medicines was officially handed over to the President by Secretary General of the Ceylon Worker’s Congress (CWC) and Parliamentarian Jeewan Thondaman in memory of the late Mr. Saumyamoorthi Thondaman who passed away 23 years ago on October 30th.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Government has taken a decision to release various vehicles which were being kept with Customs for various legal reasons.The State Minister of Finance Ranjith Siambalapitiya stated that under this move, priority will be given to departments and Government institutions, including the police, which are currently facing an acute shortage of vehicles.The minister also mentioned that Cabinet approval has been obtained for the purpose.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – TNA Parliamentarian M. A.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Ministry of Agriculture has received the first stock of 13,000 tons of Urea fertilizer today (28) under the World Bank concessional emergency loan of 110 million US dollars and accordingly, the government has decided to provide a 50 kg bag of urea fertilizer to paddy farmers at Rs.10,000.This step was taken to protect household food security, farming and rural incomes based on the demands made during several discussions with the intervention of President Ranil Wickremesinghe, Agriculture Minister Mahinda Amaraweera said.This World Bank support complements the support of other development partners such as the Asian Development Bank and the United States Agency for International Development.Sri Lanka requires approximately 150,000 tonnes of urea fertilizer for paddy cultivation during the Maha season. Mr.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A petition has been filed at the Supreme Court on Friday (28) seeking a ruling that the Inland Revenue Amendment Bill is in violation of the Constitution of Sri Lanka.The petition has been filed by Chartered Accountant Prasad Dassanayake.Dassanayake has pointed out in the petition that some of the clauses contained in the draft will damage the business sector, especially the import and export sector, and by imposing a heavy tax burden, the relevant sector may collapse entirely.The petitioner further requests that its articles be passed by a two-thirds majority vote in Parliament or via a referendum.Earlier, three parties filed petitions at the Supreme Court against the Inland Revenue Amendment Bill submitted by the government to Parliament on 21st October.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – It was decided at the National Council Sub-Committee on Identifying Priorities in Formulating Short, Medium and Long Term Policies held recently (26) under the chairmanship of the Member of Parliament Namal Rajapakse to introduce Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to measure the performance of government institutions.In order to streamline the government mechanism efficiently, the committee emphasized the need to prepare metrics to review the progress of government agencies and government officials.Thus, it was decided to discuss this matter with all the other services including the administrative service in the next week and start formulating policies.Officials representing the Ministry of Public Administration Home Affairs Provincial Councils and Local Government and Sri Lanka Administrative Service Association were present at this meeting.State Minister Ashoka Priyantha, Members of Parliament  Pavithradevi Wanniarachchi, Wajira Abeywardana and Sagara Kariyawasam were also present.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Minister of State for Finance Ranjith Siyambalapitiya says in a statement that there is no other option but to raise taxes in a situation where 4 million of the 6.8 million families living in the country are demanding various subsidies. The relevant announcement further states that the people also have a responsibility to keep the poor people of the country alive. The announcement also emphasized that there is a huge deficit between the government's income and expenditure and to cover it, as inflation is close to 100 per cent, money cannot be printed anymore, so taxes should be levied as much as possible. 

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Minister of State for Finance Ranjith Siyambalapiya says in a statement that there is no other option but to raise taxes in a situation where 4 million of the 6.8 million families living in the country are demanding various subsidies. The relevant announcement further states that the people also have a responsibility to keep the poor people of the country alive. The announcement also emphasized that there is a huge deficit between the government's income and expenditure and to cover it, as inflation is close to 100 per cent, money cannot be printed anymore, so taxes should be levied as much as possible. 

Irvine will be the site of a national mental health facility for 12-18-year-olds with complex difficulties requiring a high level of care.