Public awareness in relation to defrauding individuals through scam calls, text messages, email messages and social media networks.
In recent times, a rapid increase in the number of complaints filed by aggrieved parties has been observed in relation to defrauding money from individuals by giving false information through fraudulent phone calls, text messages, e-mail messages and social media networks, promising to direct them to foreign employment or asking them to pay customs duties to receive parcels containing various valuable goods.
Therefore, the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) hereby emphasizes to the public not to deposit money into the bank accounts of unknown parties or remit money through other means based on the above information, without proper verification.
Further, the scammers who engage in such practices, may request the following information from you in order to proceed with such transactions: • Personal Identification Number (PIN); • Card Verification Values (CVV) used to authenticate payment cards as stated on the back of the cards; • One-Time Passwords (OTP) used to authenticate transactions; • User IDs, Passwords and OTPs used in mobile banking/internet banking.
Therefore, the FIU further emphasizes to the public that such confidential information should not be shared with any third party and to be vigilant of such scams. Also, providing such details will surely make you/your family member/your close friend, a victim of a financial scam. If you receive these types of phone calls or text messages, please inform the FIU through 011-2477125 or 011-2477509.
The Central Bank has received information regarding several types of financial frauds and scams being operated through social media, and Internet-based applications. Recently, an increase of these types of scams has been observed.
Most of these scams are conducted through easy loan schemes that attract the public. During such fraudulent loan approval processes, the fraudsters lure the public to share confidential customer information such as their bank account numbers and the customer’s personal identification numbers.
The fraudsters then use such confidential information to access customer accounts and steal customers’ money.
The public is reminded to obtain real-time notification services, such as SMS alerts from their Banks or non-bank financial institutions such as finance companies, so that they would become aware of any fraudulent activity that takes place using their accounts, instantly.
The Central Bank strongly advises the public to be vigilant about these frauds and scams and not to share any confidential information, especially account usernames, passwords, PINs, OTPs or other information required for account verification, with anyone.
Such information must be used only by the customer who owns the account. Customers must also carefully read the terms and conditions of any financial product or service, before accepting them.
CB warns SL public not to be caught in internet and social media scams
Education Ministry makes announcement on enrolment of students for Grade 01 and Advanced Levels
The enrolment of Grade 01 students is carried out by each school and the Ministry of Education has no involvement in the process, the Ministry said in a statement.
In the meantime, students applying for Advanced Levels based on their 2022 Ordinary Levels Examination results from schools that have no Advanced Level Education ought to submit their applications directly to schools that do have Advanced Level Education, and no application shall be sent to the Ministry given that the Ministry of Education makes no interference in the application process, it added.
The enrolment of students for intermediate classes in 2022 has stopped effective from 05.12.2022 which commenced the third term of this year. Accordingly, the enrolment of students for intermediate classes in 2022 will be carried out by considering the applications sent to fill out vacancies in schools after the end of the third term of 2022 on March 24, 2023.
As of now, the aforementioned affairs are being carried out solely based on the circulars issued by the Ministry in this regard, the announcement added.
MIAP
Parliament to meet on Jan 05 next year
The Committee on Parliamentary Business concluded yesterday (12) that following the Parliament sitting today (13), Parliament will convene again on January 05, 2023, revealed Secretary General of Parliament Dhammika Dasanayake.
Accordingly, Parliament is scheduled to meet on Thursday, January 05, 2023 at 9.30 am and the time from 9.30 am to 10.30 am has been allotted for Questions for Oral Answers.
Subsequently, from 10.30 am to 5.00 pm, it was also decided to hold the second reading debate of the Bureau of Rehabilitation Bill and the Recovery of Possession of Premises Given on Lease Bill, the Parliament Secretary General said.
Following the aforementioned events, according to the motion to be moved by government, the debate at the adjournment time, will be held from 5.00 pm to 5.30 pm. Meanwhile, as previously decided, today (13) from 9.30 am to 5.30 pm has been reserved for Questions for Oral Answers.
Then, it has been decided to present the motion for the appointment of a Select Committee of Parliament to investigate in to incidents of infringe of privileges of the Members of Parliament and of the Parliament and to make suitable recommendations in that regard will be presented. The committee has also decided to present the motion to appoint a Select Committee on Parliament to make suitable recommendations over the expansion of higher education opportunities in Sri Lanka.
The selection of youth representatives required for the Sectoral Oversite Committees (SOCs) has also been discussed in the committee.
The Secretary General added that it is expected to prepare a data bank of young representatives who are interested in joining the Sectoral Oversite Committees and who have expertise in each subject area. The committee also agreed to complete and publish the necessary translations of newspaper advertisements related to the calling of applications from the youth community, he noted.
After the formation of the Sectoral Oversite Committees, youth representatives are expected to be called from the data bank as needed, Dasanayake further said.
MIAP
Public awareness on defrauding individuals through scam calls, text messages, emails and social media: CBSL
A public awareness event will be held in relation to defrauding individuals through scam calls, text messages, email messages and social media networks, said the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) in a statement.
In recent times, a rapid increase in the number of complaints filed by aggrieved parties has been observed in relation to defrauding money from individuals by giving false information through fraudulent phone calls, text messages, e-mail messages and social media networks, promising to direct them to foreign employment or asking them to pay customs duties to receive parcels containing various valuable goods, the statement said.
It added that therefore, the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) has emphasised to the public not to deposit money into the bank accounts of unknown parties or remit money through other means based on the above information, without proper verification.
Full statement: https://www.cbsl.gov.lk/sites/default/files/cbslweb_documents/press/pr/press_20221212_e_scams_e.pdf
Veteran Singer Nihal Nelson passes away
Veteran Singer and Songwriter Nihal Nelson has passed away aged 76.
His demise was reportedly due to an accident occurred at his home this morning (13).
Nelson was known for many Sinhala hits, including Kiridunne Daruwantai, Lassanata Pipunu Wanamal, Salli Miti Ganan, Gune Aiyage Bajaw Daana Kaamare, Paththarawala Wistharawala and Kavadi Baila.
MIAP
Northern and Eastern Provinces to meet showers or thundershowers
Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in Northern and Eastern provinces and in Anuradhapura and Puttalam districts during the afternoon or night, and mainly fair weather will prevail most parts of the Island elsewhere, said the Department of Meteorology in a statement today (13).
General public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimise damages caused by temporary localised strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.
Marine Weather:
| Condition of Rain: |
| Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in the sea areas off the coast extending from to Puttalam to Trincomalee via Mannar, Kankasanthurai & Mullaitivu. |
| Winds: |
| Winds will be north-easterly and wind speed will be (20-30) kmph. The wind speed can increase up to 40 kmph at times in the sea area off the coast extending from Puttalam to Kankasanthurai via Mannar. |
| State of Sea: |
| The sea area off the coast extending from Puttalam to Kankasanthurai via Mannar will be moderate. Other sea areas around the island will be slight. |
MIAP
Ten Year National Tourism Policy to revitalize Sri Lanka Tourism
Sri Lanka Tourism now implements a strategic plan to double the arrivals to 1.5 million and to generate an income of over $ 5 billion highlighting the sector as a major economic driver. Tourism Minister Harin Fernando disclosed.
The tourism ministry has set an ambitious arrival target of 1.5 million tourists for next year and a 3 million arrivals target for 2024.
He also expressed confidence in achieving the 800,000 arrivals target of this year, banking on Sri Lankan diaspora who will come to visit their friends and family after two years post-COVID pandemic.
Minister Fernando said Sri Lanka is aiming to generate over 5 billion in income next year with high-end travelers who spend over $ 400 per day from the current $ 200.
He noted that the authorities along with private sector players are ramping up collective efforts to exploit all available opportunities to boost foreign exchange earnings via the tourism industry for a speedy economic revival.
The Tourism Development Authority will explore new markets such as Japan, Korea, Georgia, Australia, New Zealand and Eastern Europe countries, adding that plans are also underway to attract the many US tourists coming from India to Sri Lanka.
“It has identified 49 Tourism Zones and of that 14 have been gazetted and whilst the others will also be gazetted before the end of the year,” he said.
Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority Chairman Priantha Fernando said a 10-year national tourism policy will be introduced in early January.
The tourism industry is off to a promising start in December with the average daily arrivals exceeding 2,300 as opposed to 1,900 in November, marking it the highest since April.
Sri Lanka has welcomed 16,169 tourists during the first week of the month, largely driven by Russian travelers, the provisional data by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) showed.
The first week of December arrivals has also pushed the cumulative figure to date to 644,168, boosting anticipation among the tourism industry for a good start in the winter season which continues till the end of March 2023.
The daily average arrivals have picked up by 31% to 2,310 in the first week of the month, compared to 1,776 recorded in the first week of November.
Russia emerged as the top source market, reflecting 21% or 3,404 of total arrivals during the first seven days followed by India with 18% or 2,856, the United Kingdom with 10% or 1,519, Australia with 6% or 1,016, and Australia with 4% or 683.
The arrival of the luxury cruise liner, Azamara Quest, the resumption of many new international airlines and charter flights as well as the global promotions at the ITM Paris, Indian and WTM were the key reasons for the favourable pick-up arrival figures.
Sri Lanka, tax revenues surge 35 percent up to September 2022 in inflation
Sri Lanka’s tax revenues have surged 34.8 percent percent to RS.1.28 trillion up to September 2022 amid high inflation and non-tax revenues also brought in 119 billion US dollars, up 63 percent from a year ago, finance ministry data shows.
Sri Lanka’s economy is expected to inflate to around 23.8 trillion rupees in 2022 from 16.8 trillion in 2021 as the currency depreciated and prices soared in an ‘inflationary blow off’ which is technically known as High Inflation Financial Repression (IFR).
The tax revenue increased by 34.8 percent to Rs. 1,283.4 billion mainly due to the receipts of the one-off Surcharge Tax.
The notable increase in tax revenue from income tax by 106.1 percent to Rs. 431.8 billion, VAT by 38.6 percent to Rs. 310.5 billion, Excise duty on liquor and cigarettes by 32.4 percent to Rs. 207.2 billion, and Ports and Airports Development Levy (PAL) by 18.7 percent to Rs.135.4 billion helped surge total government revenue, finance ministry mid year final report disclosed.
In the same vein, non-tax revenue increased significantly by 66.8 percent to Rs. 165.1 billion during the first nine months of 2022 reflecting the increase of sales and charges and Central Bank profit transfers.
The revenue generated from domestic consumption-based taxes increased by 38.1 percent to Rs. 401.0 billion in the first nine months of 2022, compared to Rs. 290.5 billion recorded in the same period of 2021.
This was mainly due to the increase in VAT on domestic activities by 44.7 percent to Rs. 193.8 billion.
Meanwhile, revenue from the tax on liquor increased by 32.2 percent to Rs. 124.6 billion reflecting the increase in excise duty rates on liquor introduced by the Budget 2022 and the successful implementation of the security features and security features management system with effect from January 2022.
Revenue generated from cigarettes increased by 32.6 percent to Rs. 82.6 billion in the first nine months of 2022 due to the revision of excise duty on cigarettes in November 2021.
Revenue from import-based taxes increased slightly by 3.3 percent to Rs. 425.6 billion in the first nine months of 2022, compared to Rs. 411.9 billion recorded in the same period of 2021 mainly due to the increase in import-based VAT by 29.5 percent to Rs 116.7 billion and increase in Ports and Airports Development Levy (PAL) by 18.7 percent to Rs. 135.4 billion amidst the contraction in tax collection by Customs Import Duty (CID) and Special Commodity Levy (SCL).
Revenue from CID declined considerably by 29.4 percent to Rs. 36.6 billion in the first nine months of 2022 mainly due to the import restrictions imposed by the Government as a response to the foreign exchange crisis.
Revenue collection from SCL also declined considerably by 30.5 percent to Rs. 29.2 billion in the same period of 2022 due to the downward revisions of SCL rates on selected commodities to provide a cushion for stabilizing domestic prices.
Revenue collected from Commodity Export Subsidy Scheme (CESS) Levy also fell marginally by 6.5 percent to Rs. 52.8 billion in the first nine months of 2022.
Sri Lanka Original Narrative Summary: 13/12
- SLPP General Secretary Sagara Kariyawasam says the SLPP and UNP are ready to form an alliance.
- President Ranil Wickremesinghe convenes an All Party Leaders’ Conference today to discuss the “national question and other related minority issues” with Tamil parties: Muslim leaders also expected to be present.
- Senior Finance Ministry official says a top 8-member Committee is negotiating “debt restructuring” with China and India: also says the outcome so far is positive: Committee said to comprise Foreign Minister Ali Sabry, State Finance Minister Shehan Semasinghe, President’s Security Advisor Sagala Ratnayake, President’s Secretary Saman Ekanayake, President’s Economic Adviser R Samaratunga, Treasury Secretary Mahinda Siriwardena, CB Governor Nandalal Weerasinghe and former CB Governor Indrajit Coomaraswamy.
- Minister of Tourism Harin Fernando says the year 2023 would be one of the best recovery years for Sri Lanka: asserts promoting Indian tourism will serve that purpose: also says Sri Lanka tourism will be promoted in all big cities in India including Kochi, Chennai and Bengaluru next year.
- Peradeniya University Acting Vice Chancellor Terrance Madujith says 10 students suspected to be involved in Sunday’s mob attack on a former Vice Chancellor and his son at their residence have been suspended: suspects identified with CCTV footage and statements by security personnel.
- MPs Dayasiri Jayasekara, Lakshman Kiriella, Anura Yapa, M A Sumanthiran, Ranjith Madduma Bandara and G L Pieris file 2 Petitions in the Supreme Court seeking an interim order compelling the Elections Commission to take steps to hold the Local Government election in March 2023.
- Alliance Air of India to recommence weekly flights between Palaly, Sri Lanka and Chennai, India: the airline initially began international flights between the 2 cities on 11th November 2019, but suspended operations due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
- Archbishop of Colombo Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith urges religious leaders to rally together to prevent the proposed “night life” activities and thereby safeguard Sri Lanka’s culture: adds the culture nurtured by Buddhism should not be destroyed by night life activities.
- Police agree to pay special attention towards transgender community: Sri Lanka’s LGBTQIA+ community and high-ranking Police Officers discuss how any inconveniences can be avoided during interactions between the two parties.
- Senior DIG Sanjeeva Dharmaratne instructs Police to inspect all Spas in the Kandy District and enforce the law against health centres engaged in illegal activities: order follows a media exposé that 2 large-scale brothels are operated by a senior Police officer in Kandy under the guise of a Spa.
The embassy of Sri Lanka participates in International Food Festival 2022
The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Ha Noi, Viet Nam participated in the Annual International Food Festival organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) of Viet Nam, which was held on 11 December 2022 in Ha Noi. The 10th assembly of this annual event was attended by diplomatic missions and international organizations, INGOs based in Ha Noi, provincial offices of the MoFA, provincial governments, and Vietnamese food and beverage industry leaders.
Sri Lanka’s stall was one of the main attractions of the event, with authentic Sri Lankan food such as Kottu Rotti and Aappa (Hoppers)which were made with live demonstrations. Dilmah – Ceylon Tea – Viet Nam also participated in the event and served Ceylon Tea with Sri Lankan short eats. Both Vietnamese and expatriates enjoyed these delicious treats and the warm hospitality.
The food festival was attended by approximately 5000 people and comprised 131 stalls. The Sri Lankan community in Ha Noi, and other main cities and provinces of Viet Nam, actively participated in the event and generously assisted the Embassy in conducting a very successful promotional programme.
Embassy of Sri Lanka
Ha Noi
12 December 2022
