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TID arrests Close associate of Zaharan

shabee — Fri, 03 Dec 2021 04:32:31 +0000

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The Terrorism Investigation Division (TID) has arrested a person who had close connections with Zaharan Hashim, the alleged mastermind of the Easter Sunday Terror Attacks.

The suspect, was arrested on charges of spreading extremist propaganda, having links with Hashim.

According to the police, the suspect has received training with Zahran at a training facility in Hambanthota.

“The arrested suspect held in the custody of the Terrorism Investigation Division are being further questioned,” the Police Spokesman added.

Friday, December 3, 2021 - 10:02

Quarantine Curfew in Kotahena from 6pm - UPDATE

shabee — Thu, 22 Oct 2020 04:14:47 +0000

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Quarantine Curfew imposed for Kotahena Police area with effect from 6pm today,said the Army Commander Lieutenant General Shavendra Silva.

Quarantine Curfew imposed in five police divisions in Colombo - 9:40

Quarantine Curfew imposed in Mattakuliya, Modara, Wellampitiya, Bloemendhal and Grandpass police areas with immediate effect until further notice, said the Army Commander Lieutenant General Shavendra Silva.

Thursday, October 22, 2020 - 15:34

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Notre-Dame Cathedral to miss first Christmas Mass

shabee — Mon, 23 Dec 2019 07:09:48 +0000

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Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris will not hold a Christmas Mass for the first time in more than 200 years, as repair work continues following April's fire.

Midnight Mass will still be celebrated on Christmas Eve, officials said, but it will take place at the nearby church of Saint-Germain l'Auxerrois.

The 850-year-old Gothic cathedral, a Unesco World Heritage site, lost its spire and roof during the blaze.

President Emmanuel Macron has set a five-year goal for its reconstruction.

In October, the French culture ministry said nearly €1bn (£850m; $1.1bn) had been raised or pledged for the work.

The iconic building has celebrated Christmas Mass through two centuries of often turbulent history, only closing during the French revolution when anti-Catholic forces turned it briefly into "a temple of reason".

(Source: BBC News)

Monday, December 23, 2019 - 12:32

Fuel prices to be reduced from tonight

shabee — Fri, 21 Dec 2018 05:55:11 +0000

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Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe stated that a decision has been taken to cut down the fuel prices with effect from midnight today. He announced this addressing today’s parliament session.
Accordingly, the price of Lanka Auto Diesel will be reduced to Rs 101 and Super Diesel price will be cut down to Rs 121 and the prices of Octane 92 Petrol will be slashed to Rs 125, while Petrol 95 Octane is to be cut down to Rs 149.

Friday, December 21, 2018 - 11:22

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New Cabinet sworn in

shabee — Thu, 20 Dec 2018 04:46:11 +0000

Political

-Time: 10:02

A new Cabinet consisting of a total of 29 ministers were sworn in before President Maithripala Sirisena at the Presidential Secretariat, a short while ago.

New Cabinet:
The President holds the portfolios of Defense, Mahaweli Development and Environment ministries.

1.Hon. Ranil Wickremesinghe: Minister of National Polices, Economic Affairs, Resettlement & Rehabilitation, Northern Province Development, Vocational Training & Skills Development & Youth Affairs
2.Hon. Mangala Samaraweera: Minister of Finance and Mass Media.
3.Hon. Ibathul Rauff Hakeem: Minister of City Planning, Water Supply and Higher Education.
4.Hon. Thilak Janaka Marapana: Minister of Foreign Affairs
5.Hon. Gamini Jayawickrama Perera: Minister of Buddhasasana & Wayamba Development
6.Hon. Lakshman Kiriella: Minister of Public Enterprise, Kandyan Heritage & Kandy Development
7.Hon. Mohamed Hashim Mohamed Kabir : Minister of Highways, Road Development and Petroleum Resources Development
8.Hon. Ranjith Maddumabandara: Minister of Public Administration & Disaster Management
9.Hon. Gayantha Karunatilake: Minister of Lands and Parliamentary Reforms
10.Hon. Sajith Premadasa: Minister of Housing Construction and Cultural Affairs
11.Hon. Arjuna Ranatunga: Minister of Transport & Civil Aviation
12.Hon. Rajitha Senaratne: Minister of Health, Nutrition and Indigenous Medicine
13.Hon. Ravi Karunanayake: Minister of Power, Energy and Enterprise Development
14.Hon. Vajira Abeywardena: Minister of Internal and Home Affairs and Provincial Councils and Local Government
15.Hon. Patali Champika Ranawaka: Minister of Megapolis & Western Development
16.Hon. Eranjan Navin Dissanayake : Minister of Plantation Industries
17.Hon. U. Palani Thigambaram: Minister of Hill Country New Villages, Infrastructure & Community Development
18.Hon. (Mrs) Chadrani Bandara: Minister of Women & Child Affairs and Dry Zone Development.
19.Hon. Pelisge Harrison: Minister of Agriculture, Rural Economic Affairs, Livestock Development, Irrigation and Fisheries & Aquatic Resources Development.
20.Hon. Akila Viraj Kariyawasam : Minister of Education
21.Hon. Abdul Haleem Mohamed Hasheem: Minister of Postal Services & Muslim Religious Affairs.
22.Hon. Sagala Ratnayaka: Minister of Ports & Shipping and Southern Development
23.Hon. Harin Fernando: Minister of Telecommunication, Digital Infrastructure, Foreign Employment and Sports.
24.Hon. Mano Ganesan: Minister of National Integration, Official Languages, Social Progress and Hindu Religious Affairs.
25.Hon. (Mrs) Thalatha Atukorale: Minister of Justice and Prison Reforms
26.Hon. Abdul Rishad Bathiudeen: Minister of Industry & Commerce, Resettlement of Protracted Displaced Persons & Co-operative Development
27.Hon. Daya Gamage: Minister of Labour, Trade Union Relations, and Social Empowerment.
28.Hon. Malik Samarawickrama: Minister of Development Strategies, International Trade and Science, Technology and Research.
29.Hon. John Amaratunga: Minister of Tourism Development, Wildlife & Christian Religious Affairs

(Sources; PMD News)

PDF File:

https://www.dailynews.lk/sites/default/files/news/2018/12/20/cdn-12-21-pg10-R1.pdf

Friday, December 21, 2018 - 01:00

Dinesh is the New Leader of the House

c.jayasooriya@gmail.com — Mon, 05 Nov 2018 07:43:13 +0000

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Minister Dinesh Gunawardena has assumed duties as the New Leader of the House at his office in the Parliament.

Monday, November 5, 2018 - 13:15

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Ease of Doing Business : Sri Lanka shifts up 11 places

c.jayasooriya@gmail.com — Fri, 02 Nov 2018 02:00:14 +0000

Holds 100th place now!

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Sri Lanka rose 11 places in the World Bank’s 2019 Doing Business index.

Sri Lanka is now ranked 100 among 190 economies in the ease of doing business.

According to the latest World Bank annual ratings the island’s ease of doing business score, rating from 0 to 100 rose to 61.22 from 59.42 last year.

A statement read that Sri Lanka carried out four reforms which included making Dealing with Construction Permits easier, while the introduction of online systems made it easier to pay taxes in Sri Lanka and Bhutan.

India, in 77th place in the Doing Business rankings, is the highest ranked economy in South Asia, followed by Bhutan at 81 and Sri Lanka at 100.

The World Bank said Sri Lanka made dealing with construction permits more streamlined and less time-consuming by launching a single window counter and improving the efficiency of obtaining certificates required to undertake a construction project.

Friday, November 2, 2018 - 07:30

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Tax Cuts Galore!

c.jayasooriya@gmail.com — Thu, 01 Nov 2018 16:12:37 +0000

Finally, a relief for the people

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The Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs announced several important economic policy changes and initiatives today to provide relief to the masses and revive the economy.

Considering the high tax imposed on the Telecommunication services, the government has decided to reduce the Telecommunication Levy from 25% to 15%.

The statement said that the Special Commodity Levy will be reduced on Dhal by Rs. 5 per Kg, Chickpeas by Rs. 5 per Kg, Black gram by Rs. 25 per Kg.

Customs Duty will also be waived on Wheat grain to Rs. 9 per Kg from the existing waiver of Rs. 6 per Kg.

Sugar will be brought under the Special Commodity Levy (SCL) whereby the applicable taxes on Sugar will also be reduced by Rs.10 per Kg. “Accordingly, the commodity prices will be reduced with immediate effect,” the ministry said.

Meanwhile the price of Petrol (Octane 92) will be reduced by Rs. 10 per litre, Auto Diesel by Rs.7 per litre and Lubricants including the 2T lubricants used in three-wheelers and small agricultural engines is to be reduced by Rs.10 per litre with effect from midnight today (Nov. 1).

“At the same time a cost based pricing mechanism will be implemented on fuel in place of the monthly fuel price formula,” the statement said.

A guaranteed price scheme is to be introduced for Paddy, Onion and Potatoes produced locally by farmers.

Accordingly, SCL will be raised during harvesting period to protect farmers through remunerative guaranteed prices.

As potatoes and B-Onions are being harvested, SCL on potatoes and B-Onions will be maintained at Rs.40 per Kg.

In order to mitigate the impact of adverse weather conditions which resulted in farmers losing their livelihood and becoming heavily indebted, interest and the penal interest incurred by farmers and small Paddy Mill owners on loans up to a maximum of Rs.50 million, from all Commercial Banks during the past 3 years, will be written off in full and will be borne by the Government.

Meanwhile the maximum threshold on Loan advances given by Samurdhi Banks to Samurdhi beneficiaries to support their livelihood activities will be increased by Rs.10,000.

Fertilizer prices for paddy will be maintained at Rs.500/50kg bag and fertilizer prices for other crops will be reduced to Rs. 1,000/50kg bag from Rs. 1,500/50kg bag.

The ministry said that the concessionary income tax rate of 14% on agriculture is presently applied only for the companies engaged in agricultural businesses.

The income of individuals from Agricultural undertakings will also be reduced from the existing maximum rate of 24% to 14% so that individual farming agriculture is also encouraged.

The concessionary Income Tax rate of 14% is presently applicable under the SME categories only for Companies. This rate will be extended to include individuals including those providing professional services. Therefore, the income tax rate for professional services will be reduced from 24 percent to 14 percent.

Withholding tax will be exempted on Interest on any savings and fixed deposits maintained in any financial institution.

To encourage local entrepreneurs, professionals and migrant workers to remit their earnings in foreign currency on services provided outside Sri Lanka, Income tax will be exempted on such remittances.

The adverse impact created by high indirect taxes will be mitigated by simplification of VAT and NBT. The VAT threshold will be increased from Rs.12 million per annum to Rs.24 million per annum.

The threshold for the VAT liability of wholesale and retail sector also will be increased from Rs.50 million to Rs.100 million per twelve months providing benefits to small traders and businesses, the statement said.

The VAT rate applicable on the import of Sawn Timber will be reduced to 5% to support the local Construction Industry.

VAT on import of fabric will be exempt providing benefits to the small and medium garment manufacturers.

Read the full statement issued by the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs below:

Programme for Economic Revival

His Excellency the President, and the Honorable Prime Minister and Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs have raised concerns regarding the serious setback in the economy as reflected in the persistently low growth rates during the last 3 years along with the rising cost of living. The Honorable Prime Minister is of the view that ill-conceived economic and financial policies of the previous Government have led to this situation by marginalizing local entrepreneurs, industries and domestic production.

As 2018/2019 Maha cultivation season has begun with extremely favorable weather throughout the country, the economy is set to get a new revival as all hydro power reservoirs and irrigated schemes have reached full storage capacity to generate electricity, provision of drinking water and water for cultivation. The Government thinks that this is the best opportunity to prepare the country to get the maximum benefit from agricultural production. At the same time the consumers are saddled with high cost of living. In this background the Prime Minister and Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs has given direction to implement following initiatives to revive the economy.

In order to ease the pressure on high cost of living while also protecting the local farmer, Special Commodity Levy will be reduced on Dhal by Rs.5 per Kg, Chickpeas by Rs. 5 per Kg, Black gram by Rs.25 per Kg. Customs Duty will also be waived on Wheat grain to Rs. 9 per Kg from the existing waiver of Rs.6 per Kg. Sugar will be brought under the Special Commodity Levy whereby the applicable taxes on Sugar will also be reduced by Rs.10 per Kg. Accordingly, the commodity prices will be reduced with immediate effect.
Given the impact of fuel pricing on all strata of the society specially those engaged in transport, agriculture and fisheries sectors, price of Petrol (Octane 92) will be reduced by Rs. 10 per litre, Auto Diesel by Rs.7 per litre and Lubricants including the 2T lubricants used in three-wheelers and small agricultural engines by Rs.10 per litre with effect from mid night today. At the same time a cost based pricing mechanism will be implemented on fuel in place of the monthly fuel price formula.
A guaranteed price scheme will be introduced for Paddy, Onion and Potatoes produced locally by our farmers. Accordingly, SCL will be raised during harvesting period to protect farmers through remunerative guaranteed prices. As potatoes and B-Onions are being harvested, SCL on potatoes and B-Onions will be maintained at Rs.40 per Kg.
In order to mitigate the impact of adverse weather conditions which resulted in farmers losing their livelihood and becoming heavily indebted, interest and the penal interest incurred by farmers and small Paddy Mill owners on loans up to a maximum of Rs.50 million, from all Commercial Banks during the past 3 years, will be written off in full and will be borne by the Government.
The maximum threshold on Loan advances given by Samurdhi Banks to Samurdhi beneficiaries to support their livelihood activities will be increased by Rs.10,000/-.
Fertilizer prices for paddy will be maintained at Rs.500/50kg bag and fertilizer prices for other crops will be reduced to Rs. 1,000/50kg bag from Rs. 1,500/50kg bag.
The concessionary income tax rate of 14% on agriculture is presently applied only for the companies engaged in agricultural businesses. The income of individuals from Agricultural undertakings will also be reduced from the existing maximum rate of 24% to 14% so that individual farming agriculture is also encouraged.
The concessionary Income Tax rate of 14% is presently applicable under the SME categories only for Companies. This rate will be extended to include individuals including those providing professional services. Therefore, the income tax rate for professional services will be reduced from 24 percent to 14 percent.
Withholding tax will be exempted on Interest on any savings and fixed deposits maintained in any financial institution.
To encourage local entrepreneurs, professionals and migrant workers to remit their earnings in foreign currencyon services provided outside Sri Lanka, Income tax will be exempted on such remittances.
The adverse impact created by high indirect taxes will be mitigated by simplification of VAT and NBT. The VAT threshold will be increased from Rs.12 million per annum to Rs.24 million per annum.
The threshold for the VAT liability of wholesale and retail sector also will be increased from Rs.50 million to Rs.100 million per twelve months providing benefits to small traders and businesses.
The VAT rate applicable on the import of Sawn Timber will be reduced to 5% to support the local Construction Industry.
VAT on import of fabric will be exempt providing benefits to the small and medium garment manufacturers.
Considering the high tax imposed on the Telecommunication services, the Telecommunication Levy of 25% will be reduced to 15%.

The thrust if these initiatives are to encourage production and simplify the tax system. It will certainly help households with additional income in their hands. The proposed changes to the tax system will also encourage inward remittances and savings.

The Government also expects to reduce its expenditure with the rationalization of Cabinet ministries as reflected in a lessor number of ministries and reexamination of capital expenditure programs. Accordingly, the government is confident that the primary surplus of 1.8 percent of GDP and the budget deficit of around 4.9 percent of GDP that have been targeted for 2018 could be achieved in support for further fiscal consolidation to provide economic stability. The measures to further consolidation of external trade and payment transactions are also being examined to provide much needed stability to the exchange rate.

His Excellency the President and Honorable Prime Minister and Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs have directed the implantation of the above policy measures. The necessary Gazettes for the aforementioned tax related proposals will be issued today and Cabinet approval is sought to amend the necessary tax laws.

Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs
01.11.2018

Thursday, November 1, 2018 - 21:45

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Fuel Prices Slashed

c.jayasooriya@gmail.com — Thu, 01 Nov 2018 14:50:40 +0000

92 Octane - 145 Rupees Only!

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The retail price of fuel has been reduced effective from midnight today (November 11).

The new price of Petrol 92 Octane will be Rupees. 145 and Auto Diesel will be Rupees. 116.

The price of Petrol 92 Octane was previously at Rs. 155 and therefore has been reduced by Rs. 10.

The price of Auto Diesel was previously at Rs. 123 and therefore has been reduced by Rs. 7

Thursday, November 1, 2018 - 20:20

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New Ministers Sworn In

c.jayasooriya@gmail.com — Thu, 01 Nov 2018 14:13:39 +0000

13 More Ministers Sworn In

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Several cabinet ministers were sworn in before President Maithripala Sirisena at the Presidential Secretariat a short while ago.

CABINET MINISTERS:

Ministry of Defence, Law and Order and Youth Affairs - President Maithripala Sirisena
Duminda Dissanayake sworn in as Minister of Irrigation, Water Resources and Disaster Management
Dayasiri Jayasekara sworn in as Minister of Skills Development and Vocational Training

STATE MINISTERS:

Piyasena Gamage sworn as State Minister of Youth, Women & Child Affairs
Lakshman Seneviratne sworn in as the State Minister of Defence
M.L.A.M. Hizbullah sworn in as the State Minister of Highways and Road Development
Mohan Lal Grero sworn in as State Minister of Education and Higher Education
Sriyani Wijeywickrama sworn in as State Minister of Provincial Councils & Local Government And Sports

DEPUTY MINISTERS:

Angajan Ramanathan sworn in as Deputy Minister of Agriculture
Manusha Nanayakkara sworn in as the Deputy Minister of Labor and Foreign Employment
Sarathie Dushmantha sworn in as Deputy Minister of Justice and Prison Reforms
Nishantha Muthuhettigama sworn in as Deputy Minister of Ports and Shipping
Kader Masthan sworn in as Deputy Minister of Resettlement, Rehabilitation, and Northern Development.
Indika Bandaranayake sworn in as Deputy Minister of Housing and Urban Development

Previous Appointments

The following Ministers, deputy Ministers and State Ministers were sworn in before on the 29th and 30th of October;

Mahinda Rajapaksa sworn in as Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs
Nimal Siripala de Silva sworn in as Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation.
Dr. Sarath Amunugama sworn in as Minister of Foreign Affairs
Mahinda Samarasinghe sworn in as Minister of Ports and Shipping
Mahinda Amaraweera sworn in as Minister of Agriculture
Ranjith Siyambalapitiya sworn in as Minister of Power and Renewable Energy
Dr. Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe sworn in as Minister of Education and Higher Education.
Wijith Wijayamuni Zoysa sworn in as Minister of Fisheries & Aquatic Resources Development and Rural Economic Affairs
Faiszer Musthapha sworn in as Minister of Provincial Councils, Local Government, and Sports
Douglas Devananda sworn in as Minister of Resettlement, Rehabilitation, Northern Development, & Hindu Religious Affairs
Arumugam Thondaman sworn in as Minister of Hill Country New Villages, Infrastructure and Community Development.
Wasantha Senanayake sworn in as Minister of Tourism and Wildlife

STATE MINISTERS AND DEPUTY MINISTERS

Suresh Vadivel sworn in as State Minister of Plantation Industries
Ananda Aluthgamage sworn in as Deputy Minister of Tourism and Wildlife.
Dunesh Gankanda sworn in as State Minister of Environment

Thursday, November 1, 2018 - 19:45

Daily News - Breaking News, Latest News, Sports News and Live Updates

TID arrests Close associate of Zaharan

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Quarantine Curfew in Kotahena from 6pm - UPDATE

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Notre-Dame Cathedral to miss first Christmas Mass

Fuel prices to be reduced from tonight

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New Cabinet sworn in

Dinesh is the New Leader of the House

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Ease of Doing Business : Sri Lanka shifts up 11 places

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Tax Cuts Galore!

Programme for Economic Revival

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Fuel Prices Slashed

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New Ministers Sworn In

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