Colombo (LNW): In light of the recent Value Added Tax (VAT) increase, the Excise Department is intensifying its efforts to curb illegal liquor activities, articulating a commitment to rigorous enforcement of pertinent laws.
Kapila Kumarasinghe, the Excise Commissioner and Spokesperson, has officially acknowledged that directives have been issued to officials to escalate the frequency and intensity of targeted raids.
This strategic response by the Excise Department underscores the recognition of potential challenges arising from the VAT hike and the necessity to address unlawful practices related to liquor collection.
The move indicates a proactive stance in upholding regulatory frameworks and deterring illicit activities within the liquor industry.
Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lankan government has decided to defer the compulsory initiation of tax file openings from January 1st to February 1st, providing citizens with an extended timeframe to comply with the new requirement, Finance State Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya disclosed.
He explained that individuals can easily register through the online system on the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) website.
The process only requires a National Identification Card for account creation, he emphasised.
Siyambalapitiya clarified the mandatory registration with the department, adding that tax payments are applicable only if an individual’s monthly income exceeds Rs. 100,000.
In alignment with Budget 2024, the Tax Identification Number will become obligatory for various transactions, including opening a bank current account, obtaining approval for a building plan, registering or renewing a motor vehicle license, and registering a land or title transfer.
This move aims to streamline financial processes and enhance tax compliance within the country.
Colombo (LNW):Tourist arrivals in Sri Lanka in December 2023 exceeded the 200,000 mark, reaching the highest level in the past four years.
Tourism Minister Harin Fernando reported that the total foreign tourist arrivals for the year have nearly reached 1.5 million, suggesting a positive trend in Sri Lanka’s tourism industry.
This surge in tourist numbers is a notable development, reflecting an increased interest in Sri Lanka as a travel destination.
The industry’s performance, as indicated by these figures, may be attributed to various factors, such as promotional efforts, easing travel restrictions, or global trends favouring certain destinations.
While the rise in tourist arrivals can be seen as a positive sign for the country’s economy, it is essential to scrutinise the factors contributing to this increase.
Examining the quality of the tourist experience, the distribution of benefits across the local communities, and the sustainability of tourism practices are critical aspects that warrant attention.
The government’s role in ensuring responsible tourism management, infrastructure development, and the protection of cultural and natural resources becomes crucial in the context of such significant growth in tourist numbers.
As the tourism industry plays a vital role in the country’s economy, it is essential to approach its growth with a comprehensive and sustainable strategy. Assessing the long-term implications of increased tourist arrivals and implementing measures to address potential challenges will be instrumental in fostering a resilient and responsible tourism sector in Sri Lanka.
Colombo (LNW): Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe highlighted the government’s flexibility to renegotiate the International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme but underscored the critical condition of adhering to the current path for international support.
This nuance raises concerns about the government’s commitment to necessary reforms and its potential impact on global assistance.
In a press conference, Weerasinghe emphasised that deviating from the established path would result in a lack of international support.
The ongoing renegotiation process within the IMF programme, initiated in September of the previous year, is crucial for determining commitments before disbursing subsequent tranches.
While Weerasinghe mentioned the absence of restrictions for policy changes over the next four years, the overarching imperative is to advance with the current programme to secure international backing.
The CB Chief specifically noted that foreign governments and commercial entities are offering debt relief with the understanding that the programme is progressing.
However, the implication that any alteration to this trajectory could lead to a reevaluation of debt relief decisions raises questions about the government’s commitment to consistent policies.
The backdrop of certain political leaders, including Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, expressing intentions to renegotiate the IMF agreement if they come to power adds complexity to the situation.
This dynamic suggests potential shifts in the government’s approach to economic reforms and raises concerns about the stability of the current economic trajectory.
Colombo (LNW): A total of 44 Sri Lankan detainees held in various prisons across the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have been granted clemency through a Royal order, in commemoration of the 52nd National Day of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on December 2.
These 44 individuals, beneficiaries of the clemency, are slated for repatriation to Sri Lanka under the coordination of the UAE government.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the UAE officially conveyed this decision to the Sri Lankan Embassy in Abu Dhabi.
This significant gesture follows President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s recent visit to the UAE for COP28, indicative of the positive trajectory in diplomatic relations between the two nations.
The Sri Lankan Embassy in Abu Dhabi expressed optimism that this act of clemency will contribute to the strengthening of friendly relations between Sri Lanka and the UAE.
Colombo (LNW): Dr. Sabesan Sithamparanathan, a trailblazer in location-tracking technology and founder of Cambridge-based company PervasID, has been appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the King’s New Year Honours in the United Kingdom, BBC reported.
Recognised for his exceptional contributions to innovation technology and the advancement of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) subjects in education, Dr. Sithamparanathan’s real-time location tracking system has been widely adopted by NHS trusts, hospitals, aircraft manufacturers, and retailers.
The system, employing electromagnetic fields, is utilised in hospitals to track surgical instruments, ensuring proper decontamination and sterilisation.
It guarantees their availability in the right place at the right time. Retailers have also embraced the technology to monitor stock and enhance click-and-collect services.
Originally from Sri Lanka, Dr. Sithamparanathan studied at the University of Sheffield and pursued a PhD at Corpus Christi College, Cambridge, where he developed his innovative tracking system.
Elected a research fellow at Girton College in 2011, he expresses gratitude for the educational opportunities provided by Cambridge, emphasising that his achievements are a result of the mentoring and support he received.
Other notable recipients in Cambridgeshire from the King’s New Year Honours List include:
Lorna Woor (69, Cambridge): Awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) for services to the community as the founder of a village stitches group.
Sheila Betts (72, Cambridge): Receives the BEM for services to young people as the chair and volunteer with the Jarman Centre for Girlguiding.
Sharon Livermore (42, Ely): Appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to the victims of domestic abuse.
Helen Pain (54, Great Chishill): Appointed MBE for services to science.
Maxine Purdie (54, Ely): Appointed MBE for services to knowledge exchange.
Julia Fentem (57, Huntingdon): Appointed MBE for services to human health and animal welfare.
Joan Winterkorn (74, Cambridge): Appointed MBE for services to heritage and culture.
Michael Frankl (75, Cambridge): Appointed MBE for services to charity, homeless people, and the Jewish community in Cambridge.
Colombo (LNW): A 54-year-old inmate from Matara Prison, who was undergoing critical medical care in the intensive care unit of Matara General Hospital, has passed away due to suspected brain fever, Director of Health Services at the Prison Dr. Hemantha Ranasinghe confirmed.
This unfortunate incident marks the second fatality within the prison.
Expressing concern, Dr. Ranasinghe highlighted the heightened risk of disease outbreaks within Sri Lankan prisons, citing issues related to overcrowding.
He emphasised the urgent need for immediate attention to address and mitigate the persistent challenges associated with prison overcrowding.
Colombo (LNW): An event has occurred wherein all sluice gates of the Victoria Reservoir automatically opened last night (30) in response to heavy rainfall.
Similarly, the sluice gates of the Randenigala and Rantambe reservoirs have been in operation since yesterday evening.
Consequently, a substantial volume of water is being discharged into the Mahaweli River, leading to the potential for a rapid rise in the river’s water level.
In light of this situation, the Mahiyangana Divisional Secretariat has issued a precautionary advisory to residents residing in low-lying areas around the Mahiyangana Divisional Secretariat, urging them to be vigilant regarding the risk of flooding.
Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) MP Dhammika Perera speaking to reporters during his participation in the “Sathutu Pawula” (Happy Family) educational and trade exhibition at Kirindiwela Madhya Maha Vidyalaya has outlined that the Party has established what he described as “ten conditions” for the selection of its presidential candidate.
Responding to queries from journalists, the ex-business giant asserted that he is actively engaged in formulating strategies to meet these ten stipulations.
Expressing his aspiration to become a presidential candidate in 2024, Perera highlighted the significance of the SLPP as a prominent political entity in Sri Lanka. The party has set forth ten directives, including the imperative to generate one million jobs, a prohibition on the sale of government institutions, and the reduction of Value Added Tax (VAT) due to its perceived burden on the populace, he emphasised.
“I am working to become a 2024 presidential candidate. Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna is a huge party in Sri Lanka. Coming from that party, we have been told to meet 10 conditions. These include the creation of one million jobs for the people, a condition prohibiting the sale of government institutions, and another for the slashing of the VAT because the burden it imposes on people is too much. I have been given 10 conditions as such. So, I need to fulfill them,” Perera told the reporters.
He acknowledged the substantial responsibility of fulfilling these conditions within the five-year timeframe, equating to 9600 hours of diligent effort.
“Five years means 9600 hours of work. Then it should be completed within 9600 hours. Now I am making plans on achieving that goal. The last day for the 2024 presidential election is October 12. There are still 286 days left. So let’s see how we prepare for it in the next 286 days.“
Perera stressed the importance of meticulous planning and disclosed an ongoing process to meet the outlined criteria before the 2024 presidential election deadline on October 12, and asserted that the official announcement of the candidate who satisfies these conditions rests with the SLPP.
Addressing concerns about the country’s recovery, MP Perera dismissed financial constraints as the primary obstacle, promising that impactful initiatives can be undertaken even in the absence of substantial funds.
“You don’t have to worry about whether this country can be recovered. Because recovering it without money is the only difficulty now. But even without money, you can do many things up to a certain level. So it’s not really about money, people have realised that even the things that can be done without money have failed accomplishment. That is why people got angry at that point,” he noted.
He suggested that the crux of the matter lies in recognising and addressing the unfulfilled potential of endeavours achievable without financial resources.
This sentiment arises from a public realisation that certain initiatives, despite being financially unencumbered, have not been actualised, thereby fueling public discontent, he noted.
Bakery Owners’ Assn President N K Jayawardena says the sale of cakes has decreased by a staggering 75% during this festive season: also says there is a difficulty in procuring ingredients required for the production of cakes including eggs, at reasonable prices and therefore it’s not possible to provide cake products to the customers at a low prices.
Major Telephone Services Provider Dialog GSM says total taxes applicable on Telecommunications Services will be increased from 1st Jan’24: explains that total tax on Local Calls, SMS, VAS and PayTV services will be 42.0%, while total tax on Data, Wi-Fi Services and IDD Calls will be 23.5%: further says in the case of Prepaid Data Cards, the data quota will be reduced proportionately while the “tax inclusive price” of the Card will remain unchanged.
Dramatic spike of a further 10% expected in fuel prices from 1st Jan’24 with the introduction of the new VAT on petroleum products: petrol projected to rise to approximately Rs.372 per lotre: diesel to rise to approximately Rs.359 per litre: massive “ripple effect” increase in prices anticipated across all services and goods, as a result: in March’22, petrol was at Rs.177 per litre, while diesel was Rs.121 per litre, with consumption of fuel being 50% higher than at present.
UNP Colombo District Manager and Working Committee Member Lasantha Gunawardena says the UNP had “saved the country” every time it collapsed: asserts President Ranil Wickremesinghe would save the bankrupt country, this time too.
CB Governor Nandalal Weerasinghe summarily dismisses Anti-“Parate” activists: says the banking sector has recovered less than 0.5% of total loans with the help of “Parate” executions: also says a new ruling by the Supreme Court now enables properties mortgaged to a bank not only by an actual borrower but also by a 3rd party for the loan granted to the actual borrower, could be “sold” by a bank, in case of non-payment of the loan.
Tourism Minister Harin Fernando says Tourist arrivals have passed 200,000 in Dec’23, the highest monthly arrival in the last 4 years: asserts the total arrivals will be almost 1.5mn this year, which was the original target set in Jan’23.
Health Minister Ramesh Pathirana requests a report from Colombo National Hospital in response to the death of a woman, 61, from an alleged intake of carbon dioxide during the administration of oxygen.
SL born Dr Sabesan Sithamparanathan, founder of Cambridge company PervasID, honoured in UK for his “exceptional contribution” to his community through the “real-time location tracking system” devised by him: in hospitals, his system uses electromagnetic fields to track surgical instruments, while retailers adopt the technology to track stocks and enhance “click-and-collect” services.
New Indian High Commissioner to SL, Santosh Jha, affirms the Indian Govt’s “unwavering support” for the advancement of the maritime and aviation sectors, and the development of the “Northern Region” of SL.
SL Cricket announces the squad for the ODI’s and T20’s against Zimbabwe: Kusal Mendis appointed as ODI Captain & Wanidu Hasaranga as T20 Captain.
