Instruction on setting up a mechanism to check whether stickers are affixed to every bottle of liquor in the distilleries.
 Instructions to digitize the work of Excise Department
 Instructions for periodic exchange of officers attached to Excise Department working in liquor factories.

The Excise Department was instructed by Hon. Mahindananda Aluthgamage to apprise this Committee of the pending laws and regulations necessary to increase the efficiency of the Department.

Hon. Mahindananda Aluthgamage instructed the officials of the Excise Department at the Sectoral Oversight Committee on National Economic and Physical Plans held june (22) in Parliament.

Hon. Mahindananda Aluthgamage, Member of Parliament, pointed out to the officials of the Excise Department that the expected revenue from the Excise Department the year is 217 billion rupees and as of June, only 72.985 billion rupees have been earned. He said that due to this, the Excise Department of Sri Lanka has not reached the expected income.

The officials present here pointed out that the production and sale of alcohol has decreased due to the increase in the price of alcohol. The officials pointed out presenting data that the expected income cannot be reached due to this.

Hon. Mahindananda Aluthgamage said that the revenue of the Excise Department has not increased for a considerable number of years. Because of this, it is not observed that the income has decreased only due to the increase in the price of alcohol. Therefore, to collect taxes directly from the large-scale alcohol production companies in this country. He also instructed to revoke the licenses of the manufacturing companies that fail to pay taxes in any way.

Furthermore, Hon. Mahindananda Aluthgamage pointed out the need for digitization of the Sri Lankan Excise Department. He pointed out that this institution is with a history of 110 years and the lack of digitization of this institution is a weakness.

The Committee also instructed to prepare a system to check whether stickers are affixed to each liquor bottle in the liquor factories. It was mentioned that there is a trend of liquor bottles being released in to the market without stickers. Due to this, the Committee instructed officials to prepare a proper mechanism to check the matter. The Chair also instructed to take the necessary steps in order to cancel the liquor license of the liquor shops selling alcohol without the sticker. The Chair also advised to check the quantity of liquor supplied to the liquor factories and the quantity of bottles distributed from the factories and take necessary measures if any irregularities occur.

Hon. Mahindananda Aluthgamage further instructed that the officials attached to the Excise Department who are working in the liquor factories have been working in those companies for a long time, thus it is observed that corruption and irregularities are taking place and therefore to prepare a system to exchange these officials periodically.

The Chair of the Committee instructed to inform the Committee of the laws and regulations that have stopped in the middle, which are necessary to increase the efficiency of the excise department.
Accordingly, the Chair of this Committee, Hon. Mahindananda Aluthgamage, recommended to give a report to this Committee within two weeks showing the necessary plans to increase the income of the Sri Lanka Excise Department in relation to these discussed matters. Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna, Hon. Gunathilaka Rajapaksha, Hon. Nipuna Ranawaka, Hon. Sudath Manjula, were present at the Committee meeting held.

In a momentous occasion, Air Marshal Sudarshana Pathirana, the Commander of the Air Force, recently declared open the newly established Surface Treatment Plant at SLAF Station Palavi. This inauguration marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to enhance the engineering capabilities of the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF).

The establishment of the Aircraft Overhaul Wing at SLAF Base Katunayake in 2015 aimed to address the comprehensive overhaul needs of Chinese origin aircraft. As an integral part of this wing, the Surface Treatment Plant plays a vital role in facilitating the surface finishing of spares during the overhaul process for F-7BS/GS and K-8 aircraft.

The design of this cutting-edge workshop was executed by a team of experts from the China National Aero-Technology Import and Export Corporation (CATIC). Under their supervision, the construction and installation of equipment were carried out, ensuring adherence to aviation standards and quality.

The Surface Treatment Plant boasts a wide range of surface finishing capabilities, encompassing various methods such as Electroplating (including Chrome Plating, Copper Plating, Cadmium Plating, Nickel Plating, Bright Nickel Plating, Tin Plating, Zinc Plating, Silver Plating, and Black Zinc Plating), Anodizing (including Passivation of stainless steel, Chemical conductive anodizing, Sulphuric acid Anodizing, Chemical oxidation of aluminium and its alloy, Chrome acid Anodizing, and Hard Anodizing), and Chemical Treatment (including Phosphating, Bluing, and Passivation of copper).

The successful implementation of this state-of-the-art Surface Treatment Plant not only elevates the engineering capabilities of the SLAF but also positions it as a valuable resource for sister services and external organizations. The facility has the potential to cater to the surface treatment needs of entities such as the Port Authority, Sri Lankan Airlines, and other relevant organizations.

The inauguration of the Surface Treatment Plant reflects the SLAF’s commitment to advancing its engineering capabilities, ensuring the efficient maintenance and overhaul of aircraft. This development signifies a significant step forward in the Sri Lanka Air Force’s ongoing efforts to enhance its operational readiness and contribute to the nation’s defense.

In a significant development, President Ranil Wickremesinghe has expressed his sincere appreciation to the United States for its assistance in Sri Lanka’s debt relief measures and increased financial support for sustainable development. The President conveyed his gratitude during a meeting with US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen on the sidelines of the Paris Summit for a New Global Financing Pact.

President Wickremesinghe commended Secretary Yellen’s leadership in facilitating this support, acknowledging the United States’ backing for Sri Lanka’s reform agenda. Secretary Yellen, in turn, reaffirmed the US government’s commitment to assisting Sri Lanka and sought an update on the country’s progress with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) procedures.

During the meeting, President Wickremesinghe provided an overview of the current situation and highlighted the challenges faced in the debt restructuring process. However, he emphasized that Sri Lanka has chosen to take control of the situation and move forward with determination. The President also shared updates on ongoing discussions with bilateral creditors and briefed Secretary Yellen on the government’s economic objectives and climate prosperity plan. Notably, he emphasized Sri Lanka’s intention to involve the private sector in this process.

The US delegation was also informed about the upcoming visit and engagement between the two countries. In a gesture of goodwill, President Wickremesinghe extended an invitation to Secretary Yellen to visit Sri Lanka.

The President’s Media Division added that the meeting was productive, underscoring the mutual commitment to strengthening cooperation between Sri Lanka and the United States. President Wickremesinghe’s expression of gratitude reflects the importance of international support in Sri Lanka’s efforts towards sustainable development and economic stability.

Jay Jayasinghe, a resident of Windsor and originally from Sri Lanka, has struck gold by claiming the top prize of $35 million from the June 6 draw of the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation’s (OLG) Lotto Max. Jayasinghe, who expressed his long-held hope for such an opportunity, plans to enjoy his winnings by purchasing a new Dodge Charger Hellcat and embarking on a cross-country trip across Canada.

Jayasinghe’s stroke of luck came just a week after his daughter’s graduation from university, making the victory feel doubly significant for him. Initially, he and his wife discovered that the winning ticket was sold in Windsor, igniting a glimmer of hope. However, Jayasinghe admitted that he didn’t truly expect to win and put the idea out of his mind.

When he finally checked his ticket and saw the staggering prize amount displayed on the screen, he couldn’t believe his eyes. Overwhelmed with emotions, he scanned the ticket multiple times to confirm the number of zeros in his winnings. The reality of the situation began to sink in, leaving him in a state of disbelief and recounting the following days as a blur.

Jayasinghe immediately called his wife to share the extraordinary news and then rushed to pick her up, bringing her to the store where they validated the ticket together. In that moment, the world seemed to fade away as they embraced each other, oblivious to their surroundings.

With plans for his newfound fortune, Jayasinghe intends to provide his family with a new home and support his daughter’s education. He also has a strong desire to explore Canada’s natural beauty and take a road trip across the country, particularly to see the Rockies. Additionally, Jayasinghe wants to visit family and allocate a portion of his winnings to charitable causes that hold a special place in his heart.

As a lifelong car enthusiast, Jayasinghe will finally fulfill his dream of owning a muscle car. Reflecting on his childhood, he mentioned his father’s habit of saving automotive catalogs for him, a reminder of his deep-rooted passion. He shared with his wife that if he ever won the Lotto Max, he would treat himself to a Dodge Charger Hellcat.

Jayasinghe purchased the winning ticket from a Mac’s convenience store on Tecumseh Road. Overwhelmed by excitement, he admitted that this incredible blessing has overshadowed everything else. Memories of the sacrifices he and his family made for their future continue to replay in his mind, emphasizing the profound impact of this stroke of good fortune. Grateful for the opportunity to build a better life in Canada, Jayasinghe sees no limitations on their dreams now.

The Tourism industry is acrucial industry for the Sri Lankan economy. During the two years of Covid Sri Lanka lost out on tourism and the results were that we lost USD 6 billion dollars in revenue . This had a Massive impact and eventually there was no electricity , gas , and fuel for the citizens due to the lack of dollars in the country .

Today we see that tourism has somewhat rebounded and assisting Sri Lanka to come out of its mess. This is seen by some vultures as an opportunity to make money by killing the goose that lays the golden egg . For sometime now there has been an attempt to add an insurance premium to each and every tourist where they have to pay for compulsory insurance . This is ridiculous. We have to make our costs less not more and it will no doubt kill the industry . Why would any foreigner require our insurance ? They have their own insurance . We can certainly tell them to compulsory have insurance like some countries do .

This deal is being done in the guise of saving the tourism industry .
This grand robbery of a compulsory insurance .

Will the major tour operators agree ?Like TUI ? Presently a tourist pays USD 60 dollars airport tax , visa fee usd 30Dollars that’s 90 dollars in total at present with this new insurance scheme another usd 35 dollars on top is crazy !

WHERE IN THE WORLD DO THEY CHARGE COMPULSARY INSURANCE FOR TOURIST ? ONCE AGAIN A FIRST FROM SRI LANKA.

We have had only 500,000 tourist thus far ; look at the positive economic turn around that has done .Somebody is trying to kill the industry dreaming of dollar commissions .

We are made to understand that each tourist will have to pay compulsory atleast usd 35per passenger if this insurance scheme is done !What a shame ! We are going to no doubt loose out on tourism . This is a disaster . We must keep fees at the same amounts until we surpass 2 million tourist atleast .

In the coming weeks we will expose more information about this deal and the players behind it .

In a recent parliamentary session, Samagi Jana Balwegaya MP Imthiaz Bakeer Markar brought to light a distressing issue plaguing the University of Peradeniya. Five incidents of suicide have been reported within the institution this year, prompting concerns about the well-being of its students. MP Markar disclosed that two students, who had made suicide attempts, are presently undergoing counseling.

MP Markar emphasized the deteriorating state of university students, stating that university authorities have reported cases of malnourishment and financial constraints preventing regular meals. “Some students survive on just one meal per day, as their parents are unable to provide financial support. This dire situation hinders their ability to focus during lectures, with some even fainting in class,” he expressed.

Highlighting the exacerbating circumstances, MP Markar noted that delays in receiving the Mahapola allowance have further contributed to the students’ plight. He stressed the need for immediate action, as the youth represent the nation’s future, and requested the relevant authorities to take necessary measures to assist the struggling university students.

Responding to MP Markar’s concerns, Education Minister Susil Premajayantha acknowledged that the majority of students have received their Mahapola Scholarship allowance. However, he acknowledged that delays had occurred for some due to issues related to incorrect information, which are being rectified. Minister Premajayantha also assured that efforts were underway to secure funds from the Treasury, ensuring that the Mahapola Scholarship allowance would be provided promptly and without delays.

In a dramatic turn of events, a wanted gunman met his demise in a fierce shootout with personnel from the Police Special Task Force (STF) during a raid in the Welikadayaya area of Embilipitiya. The encounter unfolded in the early hours of the morning (June 24) as the STF attempted to apprehend the suspect.

In a desperate attempt to evade arrest, the 22-year-old suspect opened fire on the STF personnel, who swiftly retaliated with gunfire of their own. Tragically, the shootout resulted in the death of the wanted individual, who had been sought by the police in connection with multiple incidents of gun violence.

Reports suggest that the deceased was a former army soldier and had been implicated in two recent shootings in Minuwangoda and Ambalangoda, which left three individuals injured, including a deputy school principal.

The Embilipitiya Police have initiated further investigations into the incident to gather more details surrounding the encounter. This development serves as a testament to the dedication and bravery displayed by the Police Special Task Force in their ongoing efforts to maintain law and order and protect the public from individuals involved in criminal activities.

In a significant diplomatic encounter, President Ranil Wickremesinghe had a productive meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron during the Head of State session on the second day of the Conference for a New Global Financial Agreement in Paris. The two leaders engaged in a cordial conversation, discussing matters of mutual interest and reinforcing bilateral relations.

President Wickremesinghe’s presence at the conference is in response to an invitation extended by President Macron himself, highlighting the importance of Sri Lanka’s participation in shaping global financial agreements.