January 01, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka Customs has achieved a monumental milestone in 2024, reaching a record revenue of Rs. 1.515 trillion, the highest in the department’s history.

According to Seevali Arukgoda, the Media Spokesperson and Additional Director General of Sri Lanka Customs, this remarkable figure highlights the department’s exceptional performance and underscores its vital role in the country’s economic progress.

This impressive revenue growth is just shy of the government’s ambitious target of Rs. 1.533 trillion for the year, reflecting a close alignment with national fiscal objectives.

Customs officials attribute the record-breaking earnings to a combination of strategic factors, including robust government tax policies, a notable rise in imports, and enhancements to the efficiency of the tax collection mechanisms.

The substantial growth in imports, which contributed significantly to the overall revenue, comes on the back of an improving economy and consumer demand.

Furthermore, the streamlining of internal processes within the department has facilitated faster and more accurate tax collection, which has been critical in meeting the revenue targets.

January 01, Colombo (LNW): President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has affirmed that the responsibility for bringing about meaningful change in Sri Lanka lies firmly with the government.

Speaking at the inauguration of the ‘Clean Sri Lanka’ national initiative, the President stressed the crucial role of the political establishment in steering the country toward a new path in the coming year.

He indicated that the dawn of 2025 signals the beginning of a fresh political culture aimed at restoring the country’s lost integrity.

“The foundation of any strong endeavour must be unwavering,” President Dissanayake remarked. “Our nation has seen its foundation eroded over time. However, we are making significant progress in rebuilding it. Our initial steps have been focused on re-establishing political authority, reinforcing the machinery of the state, upholding the rule of law, and ensuring the constitution is respected and protected. We are also committed to eradicating fraud and corruption at every level.”

The President emphasised that while political will is essential in addressing these challenges, state institutions must also recognise their role in supporting the broader efforts.

“It is not enough for the political leadership alone to combat corruption and fraud,” he explained. “State institutions must fully understand their responsibilities and take decisive action to contribute to these reforms.“

Acknowledging the deep-rooted issues within the governance system, President Dissanayake made a candid statement regarding the extent of corruption that has taken hold in the country.

“Corruption and bribery have become deeply entrenched in our state apparatus, spreading like a cancer,” he said. “Restoring the rule of law is an imperative, and we are making concerted efforts to address these systemic issues.“

Reflecting on the new political atmosphere in Sri Lanka, the President noted that 2025 marks the start of a revitalised approach to governance.

“This year brings with it a new political culture, one focused on unity and the welfare of the people. The entire political establishment is determined to take on the challenge of rebuilding our country, and we are fully committed to ensuring that this cultural shift endures,” he declared.

Looking forward, the President outlined three key objectives for the government in the coming year. These include launching a robust economic programme in the upcoming budget aimed at eradicating poverty, advancing digitalisation to modernise governance and public services, and implementing the ‘Clean Sri Lanka’ initiative.

“The Clean Sri Lanka initiative, in particular, will be pivotal in rebuilding our nation,” the President concluded. “It is a comprehensive effort to instil transparency and accountability across all sectors, restoring integrity to the heart of Sri Lankan society.”

January 01, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lankan government has announced the detailed schedule for the 2025 Budget presentation and debate, with the first reading of the Appropriation Bill set for January 9, 2025, followed by the Budget speech on February 17.

The full debate on the budget will run for a total of 26 days, beginning on February 18 and concluding on March 21, 2025, with key votes scheduled during this period.

The decision was made during a meeting of the Committee on Parliamentary Business, chaired by Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne yesterday (31).

According to the Secretary-General of Parliament, Mrs. Kushani Rohanadeera, the first reading of the Appropriation Bill will take place in Parliament on January 9, 2025.

The much-anticipated Budget speech will be delivered on February 17, followed by the second reading debate from February 18 to 25.

The second reading debate will span seven days, after which a vote on the second reading of the Appropriation Bill is scheduled to take place on February 25 at 6:00 p.m.

Following the second reading, the Committee Stage Debate on the Appropriation Bill will commence on February 27 and continue until March 21, 2025, covering 19 days of deliberations, including four Saturdays.

This extended debate period will allow for a thorough review of the bill. A vote on the third reading of the Appropriation Bill is slated for March 21 at 6:00 p.m.

In terms of daily scheduling during the budget debate, a 30-minute slot from 9:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. will be reserved for five Questions for Oral Answers.

The budget debate itself will then run from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with an additional half-hour from 6:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. allocated for motions at adjournment time.

However, on the two critical days, February 25 and March 21, when votes are to take place, this allocation will not apply.

January 01, London (LNW): Ranil Jayawardena, the former Member of Parliament for North East Hampshire and ex-deputy leader of Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council (BDBC), has been recognised in the 2024 New Year’s Honours List, receiving a knighthood for his outstanding contributions to public service.

Born in London to Sri Lankan parents, the 38-year-old’s career in politics spans over a decade, from his early days as a local councillor to his service in the UK Parliament.

Jayawardena represented North East Hampshire from 2015 until his recent loss in the 2024 general election, making him a familiar and respected figure in his constituency, where he had lived for most of his life.

His commitment to public service, both at the local and national levels, has earned him this prestigious honour.

Expressing his gratitude for the knighthood, Jayawardena commented, “I am deeply humbled to receive this recognition from His Majesty The King. It is a reflection of the journey I’ve taken in public service, from serving as a local councillor to holding key Cabinet positions in government.“

Jayawardena’s political path began in Basingstoke, where he served as a councillor for the BDBC from 2008 until 2015. His rise through the ranks of local government saw him become the deputy leader of the council, a position that laid the groundwork for his later national political career.

“It was an immense privilege to serve as MP for the area where I grew up, attended local state schools, and where I continue to live with my family,” he said.

After securing a degree in Government from the London School of Economics in 2008, Jayawardena took his first steps into national politics, becoming the Member of Parliament for North East Hampshire in 2015.

Over the years, he built a reputation as a dedicated and effective politician, holding several important roles in government.

Between 2020 and 2022, he served as the International Trade Minister, where he was instrumental in negotiating trade agreements to strengthen the UK’s economic position, particularly during the challenging period of the Covid-19 pandemic.

His leadership during this time helped ensure the resilience of global supply chains, a key factor in the UK’s recovery.

In September 2022, following the appointment of Liz Truss as Prime Minister, Jayawardena was promoted to Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

In this capacity, he spearheaded initiatives to tackle water pollution and protect the UK’s natural environment—issues that remain close to his heart.

In his message of thanks, Jayawardena expressed his gratitude to his family, colleagues, and constituents, acknowledging the crucial role they played in his achievements.

“I am incredibly thankful to my family, colleagues, and especially the people of North East Hampshire for their unwavering support over the years. It has been an honour to serve them, and I will always be proud of the work we’ve done together.“

January 01, Colombo (LNW): In a significant step towards national transformation, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake officially launched the much-anticipated ‘Clean Sri Lanka’ initiative at a ceremony held at the Presidential Secretariat a short while ago (01).

The initiative, which aims to address critical environmental, social, and ethical challenges, was unveiled with the promise of fostering a cleaner, more sustainable future for the nation.

The ‘Clean Sri Lanka’ programme has been designed to encourage citizens to take an active role in improving their communities by promoting a cleaner and more sustainable future addressing critical environmental, social and ethical challenges befallen the island nation.

The launch event saw a strong emphasis on unity and collective action, with President Dissanayake calling on every Sri Lankan to contribute to the success of the initiative.

Addressing the gathering, the President expressed his belief that a clean nation is essential not only for the well-being of the people but also for the country’s broader development goals.