A discussion on reviewing the responsibilities of Ministries in achieving the objectives of the “Clean Sri Lanka” National Initiative was held on March 20 at the Chartered Building, opposite the President’s House, with the participation of key officials from relevant institutions.

As a flagship government initiative, the “Clean Sri Lanka” programme has been allocated LKR 5 billion in the 2025 budget. The discussion centered on ensuring effective fund utilization, assessing project reports submitted by Ministries, and evaluating financial allocations accordingly.

Key areas of focus included:

• Sanitation and infrastructure improvements in schools
• Enhancing road safety and accident prevention through media awareness
• Developing guidelines for the tourism industry
• Enhancing professionalism and ethical standards of rental vehicle drivers
• Formulating a sustainable rehabilitation programme for drug addicts
• Implementing soil conservation in Upper Mahaweli catchment areas
• Protecting environmental systems in selected Mahaweli zones

The discussion aimed to launch new social, environmental, and ethical initiatives to promote sustainable development across the country.

Senior officials from multiple ministries and agencies, including Public Administration, Education, Health, Public Security, Industry, Foreign Affairs, Environment, Agriculture, Finance, and Tourism, as well as authorities like the Mahaweli Development Authority, National Dangerous Drugs Control Board, and Department of Wildlife Conservation, participated in the meeting.

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya met with Dewi Gustina Tobing, the Ambassador to Sri Lanka, at the Parliament complex to explore avenues for enhanced collaboration between the two nations.

Discussions focused on trade, tourism, technology, and education, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to strengthening diplomatic and economic relations for mutual benefit, according to the Prime Minister’s Media Division.

The delegations explored trade opportunities, particularly the importation of palm oil and the introduction of organic liquid fertilizers to support Sri Lanka’s agricultural sector.

Additionally, they discussed integrating electric vehicles into Sri Lanka’s public transport system and enhancing cooperation in the IT industry, identifying it as a key area for future partnership.

Sri Lanka has fallen five places to rank 133rd in the 2025 edition of the World Happiness Report, marking a decline from its 128th position last year.

The report, published on March 20 by the Wellbeing Research Centre at the University of Oxford in partnership with Gallup and the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network, evaluates countries based on factors such as health, wealth, freedom, generosity, and freedom from corruption. Rankings are determined through self-reported assessments from 147 countries.

According to the latest findings, Sri Lanka’s Average Life Evaluation stands at 3.891 (out of 10), placing it just above nations like Bangladesh, Egypt, Yemen, Zimbabwe, Lebanon, Sierra Leone, and Afghanistan.

Global Rankings: Finland Tops Again, U.S. Hits Lowest Rank

Finland has retained its title as the happiest country in the world for the eighth consecutive year. The United States, ranking 24th, recorded its lowest-ever position, continuing its downward trend amid growing social isolation and political polarization.

The top 10 happiest countries in 2025 are:

1. Finland
2. Denmark
3. Iceland
4. Sweden
5. Netherlands
6. Costa Rica
7. Norway
8. Israel
9. Luxembourg
10. Mexico

At the bottom of the index, Afghanistan ranks last (147th), followed by Sierra Leone, Lebanon, Malawi, and Zimbabwe.

The World Happiness Report, now in its 13th edition, relies on Gallup World Poll data and averages life evaluations over the past three years (2022-2024) to determine rankings.

The Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill was passed in Parliament without amendments on March 20.

The debate on the Second Reading of the Bill took place from 5:40 PM to 7:10 PM, after which it was considered at the Committee Stage and subsequently approved.

Initially presented to Parliament for its First Reading on March 1, 2025, the Bill received final approval as Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne endorsed the certificate of enactment on March 20, in accordance with Article 79 of the Constitution.

With this endorsement, the Bill will now be enforced as the Inland Revenue (Amendment) Act No. 02 of 2025.

Matara Magistrate Aruna Indrajith Buddhadasa has ordered legal action against individuals who aided and abetted suspended Inspector General of Police (IGP) Deshabandu Tennakoon in evading arrest.

The decision follows a ruling by the Court of Appeal, which strongly condemned Tennakoon’s actions. On March 17, the court dismissed his writ petition seeking to prevent the execution of an arrest order issued by the Matara Magistrate’s Court in connection with a 2023 shooting incident.

The court further directed the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to take immediate steps to arrest Tennakoon and present him before the court.

Tennakoon is wanted over a 2023 shooting incident near a hotel in Weligama, which involved officers from the Colombo Crimes Division (CCD), Weligama Police, and the Special Task Force. The incident resulted in the death of a CCD officer and injuries to another, with investigations pointing to Tennakoon’s alleged involvement.

A warrant for his arrest was issued on February 28, 2025, along with an international travel ban. Despite these measures, he evaded capture, prompting authorities to launch a joint special operation to apprehend him.

Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne met with EU Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Carmen Moreno, at the Parliament premises on March 17. Parliament Secretary General Kushani Rohanadeera was also in attendance.

The discussion primarily focused on enhancing cooperation between the European Parliament and the Parliament of Sri Lanka. Ambassador Moreno extended her best wishes on Sri Lanka’s political transformation and evolving political culture.

Additionally, the meeting covered key topics such as the country’s current political landscape, the tourism industry, and the rising number of European Union tourists visiting Sri Lanka.

The Office of former President Ranil Wickremesinghe issued a statement on Tuesday denying allegations that he and his spouse, Prof. Maithree Wickramasinghe, used state funds for a private visit to London in 2023.

The statement refuted claims that a substantial amount of government money was spent on the visit, arguing that such assertions misrepresent the nature of diplomatic trips and indicate a lack of understanding by the current administration.

According to the statement, Wickremesinghe traveled to London three times in 2023. His first visit was on May 9 to attend the coronation of King Charles III. The second trip was for the 40th anniversary session of the International Democratic Union (IDU), while en route to the Paris Summit.

His third visit occurred after attending the G77 Summit in Havana and the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York. During this period, Prof. Maithree Wickramasinghe was conferred the title of Professor by the University of Wolverhampton in the UK. Wickremesinghe attended the ceremony as an invited guest while returning from his official engagements, the statement clarified.

The former President’s Office concluded that no private visits were undertaken at state expense in 2023 and dismissed all allegations as false.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake asserted that trade union actions by healthcare professionals cannot be justified, given that the government granted the largest salary increase in history without any demands or pressure from professional associations.

During a meeting at the Presidential Secretariat with the Public Services United Nurses Union (PSUNU) on March 19, the President emphasized that despite financial constraints, the government has prioritized salary increases for public sector employees.

This move, introduced as part of the 2025 budget, aims to enhance public service efficiency, attract skilled professionals, and ensure the sector’s long-term sustainability.

The President outlined six key salary adjustments, including a Rs. 15,000 basic salary hike, increased overtime and holiday allowances, an 80% salary increment, revised pension benefits, and a raised taxable income threshold.

While PSUNU officials acknowledged the positive impact of the salary revisions, they also raised concerns about ongoing challenges in the nursing profession, urging the President to address these pressing issues.

The Committee on Public Finance has raised concerns over why only 800,000 individuals fall under the tax net when Sri Lanka’s workforce comprises approximately 8 million people. Officials from the Ministry of Finance, along with Deputy Minister Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma, explained that only around 800,000 meet the income tax threshold.

Chaired by MP Dr. Harsha de Silva, the Committee convened on March 18, 2025, to discuss the Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill. The Bill proposes increasing the Personal Income Tax (PIT) relief threshold from Rs. 1.2 million to Rs. 1.8 million per annum. Additionally, it seeks to raise the income tax rate on betting, gaming, tobacco, and liquor industries from 40% to 45%, impose a 15% income tax on the export of services, and increase the Withholding Tax (WHT) rate on interest from 5% to 10%.

During discussions, the Committee noted discrepancies in PAYE data and directed officials to provide a more accurate analysis. It was also revealed that the implementation of the Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) system—crucial for taxation and trade-related services—has not been functioning effectively.

The Committee expressed dissatisfaction over the Ministry’s failure to establish a casino regulator and criticized the Inland Revenue Department for not providing requested data on casino revenue over the past five years. Additionally, concerns were raised over the requirement for a 25% cash deposit for tax appeals, questioning whether it is ethical to demand cash instead of a bank guarantee. Deputy Minister Suriyapperuma defended the measure, arguing that some use appeals to evade taxes.

Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, North-western and Northern provinces and in Galle and Matara districts after 2.00 p.m.

Fairly heavy showers above 50 mm can be expected at some places in Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Galle and Matara districts.

Several spells of showers may occur in Eastern and Uva provinces and in Hambanthota and Polonnaruwa districts.

Misty conditions can be expected at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Galle, Matara and Kurunegala districts during the morning.

The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.