1. At the “Lawyers for Economic Stability” event, President Ranil Wickremesinghe highlights his success in stabilising Sri Lanka’s economy by assembling a cross-party expert team: stresses his unique role in preventing further instability during a critical period and defended his administration’s anti-corruption efforts: emphasises the importance of fiscal discipline and foreign investment to ensure long-term economic recovery.
   
2. MP Rajitha Senaratne supports former MP Thalatha Athukorala’s call for unity between President Ranil Wickremesinghe and Sajith Premadasa, calling it the best strategy for Sri Lanka: reveals his efforts to persuade Premadasa to cooperate with Wickremesinghe but faces resistance: also notes frustration amongst some SJB members, who are considering crossing over as the election campaign advances.
   
3. The Indian High Commission in Colombo dismisses social media claims that a diplomatic cable indicates NPP presidential candidate Anura Kumara Dissanayake is set to win the election: The cable allegedly suggested Dissanayake’s growing support and a lead over competitors: The High Commission clarifies that these reports are unfounded and baseless, denying any such cable or survey results.
   
4. Former Minister A.H.M. Fowzie receives a two-year prison sentence, suspended for 10 years, from the Colombo High Court for misusing a state vehicle in 2010: The charges involved using a luxury vehicle, valued at Rs. 20 million, for personal benefit and spending Rs. 1 million in maintenance costs: also faces a Rs. 400,000 fine, highlighting increased judicial scrutiny over public resource misuse.
   
5. Commissioner General of the Excise Department, M.J. Gunasiri dismisses claims of excessive tax arrears as exaggerated, stating that the outstanding taxes are around Rs. 90 billion, a typical shortfall for many countries: Despite this, Sri Lanka’s key revenue agencies, including the Excise Department, Inland Revenue, and Customs, achieved record revenues in 2023 and are actively pursuing arrears through legal channels.
   
6. Election authorities warn extravagant meals, drinks, or gifts during presidential campaigns are illegal under the Presidential Elections Act, as they constitute “treating” and can unduly influence voters: This prohibition, highlighted by the recent halting of a candidate’s event in Anuradhapura, aims to ensure fairness in the upcoming election on September 21: Candidates are now encouraged to use more direct campaigning methods.
   
7. A 2019 UNFPA and DCS survey finds nearly 40% of Sri Lankan women have faced physical, sexual, or emotional violence from intimate partners: Nearly half of the sexual violence victims did not seek help, mainly due to concerns for their children: Cultural norms perpetuate the issue, with many women holding traditional beliefs about gender roles: The survey highlights severe psychological impacts and calls for urgent societal change and support for survivors.
   
8. Education authorities are alarmed by a surge in drowning incidents, with 87 schoolchildren among 289 drowning deaths this year: Many fatalities occurred in unsafe natural waters, with recent incidents including seven deaths on Sunday alone: In response, the Ministry of Education has urged schools to enhance vigilance and avoid unsanctioned trips, calling for improved safety measures and awareness.
   
9. Rear Admiral Kanchana Banagoda officially becomes the Chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Navy as of 16 August 2024, following his appointment by President Ranil Wickremesinghe: The appointment was formalised on 26 August at Navy Headquarters: Banagoda, who began his naval career in 1989, has extensive experience in various command roles and has been recognised with honours such as the Rana Sura Padakkama and the Uththama Sewa Padakkama.
   
10. Sri Lankan para athlete Samitha Dulan, a 33-year-old javelin thrower from Deniyaya, aims to win his second medal at the Paris Paralympics, starting tomorrow: Dulan, who secured bronze at Tokyo 2021, recently set a personal best and world record at 69.46m at the World Para Athletics Championships: Appointed team captain and flag bearer, he is determined to excel despite the absence of his inspirational teammate, Dinesh Priyantha Herath.

August 27, Colombo (LNW): The Department of Immigration and Emigration has announced a temporary restriction on issuing passports due to a critical shortage of blank passport books.

The department has urged applicants to only seek passports for urgent needs until the situation stabilises.

In a statement, the department explained that the supply of blank passports is currently limited, primarily affecting those in need of travel documents.

To address this issue, authorities have placed an order for 750,000 passport books, which are expected to arrive by late October. Until then, the issuance of passports will remain restricted.

The department also noted that plans are underway to introduce new electronic passports, with an international firm already awarded the tender to supply these documents.

However, delays in finalising the tender have exacerbated the current shortages. Public Security Minister Tiran Alles recently acknowledged that bureaucratic delays have hindered the timely procurement of new passports.

He disclosed that while the daily demand is for around 3,000 passports, the department is only able to issue 900 at present due to the ongoing shortages.

The situation has highlighted gaps in Sri Lanka’s passport management system, which has struggled with inefficiencies and inadequate planning.

As the country anticipates the arrival of new supplies, many citizens remain in limbo, waiting for their travel documents in an increasingly strained environment.

August 27, Colombo (LNW): Former Minister A.H.M. Fowzie has been handed a two-year rigorous imprisonment sentence, suspended for 10 years, by the Colombo High Court for the misuse of a state vehicle in 2010.

The sentence was delivered after Fowzie admitted guilt in connection with the charges.

The case revolved around allegations that the former minister used a luxury vehicle, valued at Rs. 20 million, which was donated by the Netherlands to the Disaster Management Centre for his personal benefit.

Additionally, Rs. 1 million from ministry funds was reportedly spent on the vehicle’s maintenance.

The court’s ruling included not only the suspended prison term but also a fine of Rs. 400,000. The judgment underscores growing scrutiny of former officials and their use of public resources for private purposes.

Whilst the prison sentence is suspended, it serves as a warning about the consequences of such conduct, highlighting accountability in the use of state assets.

This decision could signal a stronger stance by the judiciary against misuse of public resources, with a view to promoting transparency and restoring public trust in governance.

August 27, Colombo (LNW): The Inland Revenue Department (IRD) has clarified that as of 31 December 2023, tax arrears totalled 1,066 billion rupees.

However, due to ongoing taxpayer appeals amounting to 878 billion rupees, only 188 billion rupees can be actively pursued.

The department emphasised that, while some claim disputed taxes could be swiftly recovered, it remains committed to legally mandated procedures.

Between January and June 2024, 47 billion rupees were recovered through methods like asset seizures and legal actions.

Additionally, 57 billion rupees were settled through refunds and appeals.

The IRD highlighted its 2024 target of reducing tax arrears by 104 billion rupees, while stressing that fully eliminating arrears is unrealistic given continuous assessments and legal complexities.

Full Statement:

This announcement is issued to provide accurate information to the public about the outstanding tax amount at the Inland Revenue Department as of December 31, 2023

Under the Inland Revenue Department’s self-assessment system, taxpayers are responsible for submitting their Tax Returns and paying the corresponding taxes. If a taxpayer fails to pay the tax amount indicated on the Return, it is considered as tax arrears.

Additionally, the department may issue additional or estimated assessments if the submitted reports are not accepted or if the taxpayer neglects to file a Return. If a taxpayer disagrees with an assessment issued by the department, they may file an appeal within one month.

If the appeal cannot be resolved internally, the taxpayer has the option to refer the matter to the Tax Appeals Commission. If no agreement is reached at the Commission, the case can be further escalated to the Court of Appeal, and ultimately to the Supreme Court.

During the tax appeal process, the Inland Revenue Department cannot take collection action until the appeal is finalized and a decision is rendered by the relevant institution (Tax Appeals Commission, Court of Appeal, or Supreme Court). Collection efforts will be based on the outcome of the final ruling.

As of December 31, 2023, balance of 1,066 billion rupees has reported as taxes in default as per the assessments made by the Inland Revenue Department. However, due to pending tax appeals from taxpayers, a portion of this amount, totaling 878 billion rupees, is currently held over. Consequently, it is inaccurate to assume that the entire 1,066 billion rupees can be collected in full by the department. The actual amount of tax the department could reasonably expect to collect on December 31, 2023, was 188 billion rupees.

From January 1st to June 30th, 2024, the department collected 47 billion rupees in tax arrears from the outstanding balance as of December 31, 2023. This was achieved through various methods, including seizing bank accounts of 900 taxpayers, offering installment payment plans, and taking other legal actions. Additionally, another 57 billion rupees were recovered or reduced due to settled refunds and objections. Therefore, the total reduction in tax arrears for the year 2024 was 104 billion rupees.

It’s important to note that completely eliminating tax arrears through the department’s collection processes is practically impossible. This is primarily due to the ongoing issuance of new assessments, which can contribute to increasing the arrears balance.

Therefore, achieving a zero tax arrears balance is not a realistic goal for any tax administration. The department’s primary role should be to maintain efficient tax arrears collection processes within the existing legal framework. This commitment is demonstrated by the department’s efforts to reduce tax arrears by 104 billion rupees in the year 2024.

Arrears Tax Collection Performance for 2024

Accordingly, out of the Rs. 188 billion as on 31.12.2023, Rs. 84 billion have to be collected.

IRD has taken all steps feasible within the country’s legal framework to recover disputed taxes. Any claims that the disputed taxes undergoing the due legal process can be recovered instantly insinuates that measures outside the legal framework are to be adopted. A responsible government institution cannot associate itself with such measures, and accordingly, due legal process will always be followed by the IRD.

Chairman
Media Committee
inland Revenue Department

August 27, Colombo (LNW): Election authorities have issued a strict reminder that providing extravagant meals, drinks, or gifts during presidential campaigns constitutes a violation under the Presidential Elections Act.

Such activities fall under the category of “treating,” which is prohibited to prevent undue influence on voters.

In previous elections, candidates often hosted lavish gatherings for their supporters, with little scrutiny.

However, the issue has resurfaced in public discourse after election officials intervened to halt a party planned by a presidential candidate in Anuradhapura, intended for local professionals and academics.

Additional Election Commissioner (Legal) Chintaka Kularatne explained that according to Section 77 of the Act, treating is classified as an inducement, making it illegal.

Candidates are therefore prohibited from offering food, drinks, or any form of refreshment during campaign events.

As the presidential race heats up ahead of the September 21 election, candidates are now focusing on more direct methods, such as door-to-door visits, public meetings, media interviews, and distribution of leaflets.

The tightening of regulations aims to ensure a fair and transparent election, free from improper influence through lavish campaign spending.

August 27, Colombo (LNW): A 2019 survey conducted by the United Nations Fund for Population Activities (UNFPA) and the Department of Census and Statistics (DCS) has revealed that nearly 40 per cent of women in Sri Lanka have experienced physical, sexual, or emotional violence from an intimate partner at some point in their lives.

The survey, which spanned all 25 districts and included women aged 15 and above, focused primarily on intimate partner violence.

The findings highlight troubling statistics: nearly half (49.3 per cent) of women who suffered sexual violence did not seek formal assistance, with over 52 per cent citing concern for their children as the main reason for remaining in abusive environments.

Additionally, 21.4 per cent of women initially concealed their experiences of sexual exploitation due to feelings of shame.

Cultural attitudes also play a significant role in perpetuating these issues. The report found that nearly half (47.5 per cent) of the women agreed that “a man should be the boss,” while 46.5 per cent believed that “a good wife obeys her husband even if she disagrees.”

Disturbingly, over a third of the respondents accepted that men might have justifiable reasons to hit their wives.

The psychological toll of partner violence is severe, with a quarter of affected women reporting symptoms of depression, and 35.7 per cent admitting to having suicidal thoughts.

Furthermore, approximately 60 per cent of women who experienced physical violence had children who either witnessed or overheard these incidents, resulting in lasting trauma for the younger generation.

Personal testimonies included in the report reflect the despair many women feel, with one victim stating, “I didn’t think I’d survive… I didn’t see the light at the end of the tunnel,” while another pleaded, “Please relieve us from this hell we are living in.”

These statements underline the urgent need for societal change and increased support for survivors of domestic violence in Sri Lanka.

August 27, Colombo (LNW): Education authorities have raised concerns over the rising number of drowning incidents in Sri Lanka, reporting that 87 schoolchildren are among the 289 individuals who have died due to drowning so far this year.

Many of these fatalities occurred while individuals were swimming or bathing in unsafe natural waterways and village tanks across the country.

On Sunday alone, seven people drowned, including two mothers and three schoolchildren. Additionally, two Public Health Inspectors (PHIs) tragically lost their lives in separate drowning incidents.

Authorities have noted that some adults drowned while bathing under the influence of alcohol during trips.

In response to these alarming statistics, the Ministry of Education has issued a stern warning to school heads, parents, and senior students to exercise caution.

Schools have been advised to avoid unnecessary trips unless officially sanctioned by school authorities. Kurunegala District Senior Education Director W.M. Balasooriya highlighted these concerns during a recent meeting with school heads in the district, urging increased vigilance to prevent further tragedies.

The growing number of drowning incidents has prompted calls for more robust safety measures, awareness campaigns, and stricter supervision of outdoor activities involving children and vulnerable groups.