The Chair of the Committee on Public Accounts (COPA) Sate Minister Hon. Lasantha Alagiyawanna stated that Department of Samurdhi Development and Sri Lanka Police have been called before COPA during the next sitting week.

Accordingly, next Tuesday, the 25 th , the Department of Samurdhi Development has been called before the Committee on Public Accounts and it is scheduled to look into matters based on the reports of the Auditor General related to the previous years and the current performance. Moreover, the COPA Chair said that the Sri Lanka Police has been summoned before COPA on the 26 th , Wednesday to examine the Auditor General's reports and current performance.

1. Sri Lanka marks four years since the Easter Sunday bombings, a massacre that took place in several tourist hotels and Catholic churches, taking away more than 270 lives: The masterminds behind the genocide are believed to be still at large: Archbishop of Colombo HE Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith invites all Sri Lankans to join a human chain protest (Jana Paura) today, supporting the Church’s quest for truth and justice over the attacks.
2. The Inland Revenue Department says those with an annual income of over Rs. 1,200,000 are required to pay income tax in Sri Lanka; adds this includes business owners, income from rental or interest-related investments, or employment with the specified annual income; urges the public to settle their accurate income tax payments on time.
3. The CBSL says investigations are underway into the Rs. 05 million that was reported missing from a safe: A statement by the CBSL reads that it is taking “necessary measures to thoroughly investigate the incident and strengthen the internal controls, processes, etc”; adds it will also continue assisting the Police to carry out its investigations.
4. The Committee on Parliamentary Business to take up the Resolution for the implementation of the arrangement under the EFF of the IMF for Sri Lanka in to debate on April 26, 27 and 28: The decision made at a Committee meeting held under Chairman (Dep. Speaker) Ajith Rajapakse.
5. The HRCSL holds a meeting with representatives of the LGBTIQ community, to discuss the well-being of LGBTIQ people and address pressing issues: The representatives present a requested letter to the HRCSL Chief, Justice Rohini Marasinghe, highlighting the issues faced by LGBTIQ people that need to be resolved: The Commission expresses its support to promoting and protecting the rights of LGBTIQ individuals, including advocating for legal reforms, raising awareness, addressing social stigma, and fostering inclusivity.
6. The Health Ministry informs all hospital directors to immediately suspend the use of Prednisolone eye drops imported from India with immediate effect, following complications being reported after use: The Ministry’s MSD says the delivery of Prednisolone eye drops to hospitals also suspended.
7. US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung expresses concerns over the GOSL’s proposed Anti-Terrorism Bill (ATA) falling outside of international standards; meets with Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe on the matter; says it is important that “all voices – including civil society, academia, and lawmakers – are considered to ensure the legislation servers as an effective tool for combatting terrorism without restricting freedom of expression or assembly.”
8. Ex President of BASL Geoffrey Alagaratnam PC warns new laws are not going to help Sri Lanka if they are only going to be used against certain targeted persons who are perceived as opponents of the government; says the proposed ATA should be considered a dangerous legislation.
9. Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekara says the highest energy demand in Sri Lanka in recent times was recorded Wednesday; adds a net generation of 49.53 GWh was required for power generation on Wednesday; reveals the actual demand recorded Thursday morning forecasts an estimated energy demand exceeding 50 GWh; asserts all CEB thermal plants, including the recently established Hambantota Diesel Powered generators, will be utilised for power generation.
10. Another consignment of one million eggs imported from India arrives in SL: Chairman of the Sri Lanka State Trading (General) Corporation Asiri Walisundara says the samples will be tested by the Animal Products and Health Department; adds a report on the samples of the egg stock that reached the island on April 15 expected to be released in four days.

The Department of Inland Revenue in Sri Lanka has issued a statement mandating that individuals with an annual income exceeding Rs. 1,200,000 are required to pay income tax. The department clarified that this includes individuals who are business owners, earn income from rental or interest-related investments, or receive employment income that exceeds the specified annual income.

It is the responsibility of the respective individual to file for income tax, according to the statement released by the Inland Revenue Department. The department has also urged the public to ensure that their income tax payments are settled accurately and on time.

The announcement has come as a reminder to taxpayers to declare their income and pay taxes accordingly. The department has emphasized that failure to comply with the regulations will result in penalties and legal action.

The Inland Revenue Department has also made it clear that tax evasion is a serious offense and that all necessary measures will be taken to ensure compliance with the regulations. The department is currently working to strengthen its tax collection system and ensure that taxpayers meet their obligations.

The move is part of the government’s efforts to increase revenue and improve the country’s economy. The Sri Lankan government has been implementing several initiatives to promote tax compliance and reduce tax evasion.

The Inland Revenue Department has assured the public that it will provide assistance and guidance to taxpayers to ensure that they meet their tax obligations. The department has also urged the public to contact their nearest tax office or visit their website for more information on income tax regulations and procedures.

As Sri Lanka experiences a heatwave, the number of districts under heat alert has increased significantly. According to the latest reports, only eight districts remain unaffected by the heatwave, while the remaining districts are under a heat alert.

The Meteorology Department of Sri Lanka issued a warning on Wednesday stating that the temperature in several parts of the country could reach up to 37 degrees Celsius. The warning also stated that the heatwave was expected to continue for the next few days.

The heatwave has already caused severe discomfort to people, with many seeking relief in water bodies such as rivers and lakes. The high temperatures have also resulted in power outages in some areas, as the demand for air conditioning and other cooling devices has increased.

The Sri Lankan government has urged people to take precautions during this heatwave. They have advised people to stay indoors during the hottest parts of the day, to wear light clothing, and to drink plenty of fluids.

The government has also set up temporary shelters and water distribution centers in affected areas to provide relief to those in need. The Sri Lankan Army has also been mobilized to assist in the distribution of water and other supplies.

The heatwave is a result of a high-pressure system that has formed over the Bay of Bengal, which is causing temperatures to rise in Sri Lanka and other parts of South Asia.

Sri Lanka on Friday(21) marks the fourth anniversary of the deadly Easter Sunday bombings, which killed over 250 people and injured hundreds more. Multiple suicide bomb attacks targeted Catholic churches and tourist hotels across the island nation on April 21, 2019.

As the nation continues to grapple with the aftermath of the devastating attacks, Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith has called on Sri Lankans to join a human chain protest, known as Jana Paura, to support the Church’s quest for truth and justice over the attacks.

Speaking to the media, Cardinal Ranjith said, “We are still waiting for the government to fulfill its promise to bring those responsible for the attacks to justice. The victims and their families have suffered enough. It’s time to bring closure to this painful chapter in our history.”

The human chain protest is expected to see thousands of Sri Lankans, including clergy, politicians, and civil society activists, link arms and form a chain across the capital, Colombo. The event is set to start at 10 a.m. local time and will be held under strict COVID-19 safety protocols.

The Catholic Church has been pushing for an independent inquiry into the Easter Sunday bombings, arguing that the government’s investigations have been inadequate and lacking transparency. The Church has also criticized the government’s handling of the aftermath of the attacks, including the delay in compensating the victims and their families.

The Sri Lankan government has acknowledged the Church’s concerns and has promised to hold those responsible for the attacks accountable. However, progress on the investigations has been slow, and many Sri Lankans have criticized the government’s response as inadequate.

The attacks shocked the nation and the world, and Sri Lanka has since tightened its security measures to prevent further terrorist attacks.

As Sri Lankans mark the fourth anniversary of the Easter Sunday bombings, the human chain protest is a reminder that the victims and their families are still waiting for justice and closure.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Global Buddhist Summit in New Delhi on 20 April 2023. Government of India is hosting the two-day Summit in collaboration with International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) on 20-21 April 2023. The theme of the Summit is “Responses to Contemporary Challenges: Philosophy to Praxis”.

2.     The Summit is an effort towards engaging the global Buddhist Dhamma leadership and scholars on matters of Buddhist and universal concerns, and to come up with policy inputs to address them collectively. The Summit features eminent scholars, Sangha leaders and Dharma practitioners from all over the world including members of the clergy and officials from Sri Lanka. 

3.     Speaking at the inaugural session, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that Buddha is a consciousness beyond manifestation. He added that the presence of so many people from diverse areas at the Summit represents the expansion of Buddha that binds humanity in a single thread. He underscored the contemporary relevance of Buddha’s teaching and stressed that problems of modern times lend themselves to solutions through the ancient teachings of the Lord.

4.     The Prime Minister said that India has worked with dedication for the propagation of Lord Buddha’s teaching. He talked about the development of Buddhist circuits in India and Nepal, the renovation of Sarnath and Kushinagar, Kushinagar International Airport, and India International Center of Buddhist Heritage and Culture at Lumbini in collaboration with the IBC.

5.     Noting that the Summit is taking place during India’s 75th year of Independence, the Prime Minister underlined that India has a major goal for its future and new resolutions for the global good. He emphasized that the inspiration behind India achieving the recent global landmarks in various sectors is Lord Buddha himself.

6.     The Prime Minister expressed confidence that the inaugural Global Buddhist Summit will create an effective platform for the efforts of all nations.

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Colombo

20 April 2023