Author: Gayan Chandrasekara

bribery

Justice Ministry Warns Against Coroner Bribes; Public Urged to Report Misconduct

The Ministry of Justice and National Integration has issued a strong reminder to the public that coroners are appointed under Section 108 of the Code of Criminal Procedure to facilitate the judicial process and provide a dignified service to families of the deceased. Coroners serve in an honorary capacity and are expected to provide their […]

Sri Lanka Tourism Revenues Stable, Minister Clarifies

Sri Lanka’s tourism revenues have not declined, Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath told Parliament on Tuesday, explaining that recent figures reflect a shift to internationally recognized survey methodologies rather than a downturn in earnings. “The actual dollar amount spent by a foreign tourist in Sri Lanka has been accurately determined, and there has been no major […]

Sri Lanka to End Duty-Free Vehicle Scheme, Cancel Existing Permits in 2027 Budget

Sri Lanka’s government has pledged to abolish the long-standing duty-free vehicle import scheme for public officials, with the cancellation of existing permits to be formalized in the 2027 Budget. The commitment was outlined in the government’s Memorandum of Economic and Financial Policies (MEFP) attached to the IMF Country Report No. 26/111 (May 2026). Under the […]

imf_lbo

IMF Board Approves Sri Lanka’s Fifth & Sixth Reviews, Unlocks USD 695 Mn for Reforms

The International Monetary Fund’s Executive Board has completed the combined Fifth and Sixth Reviews of Sri Lanka’s Extended Fund Facility, unlocking immediate access to SDR 508 million (approximately US$695 million) to bolster the country’s economic policies and reforms. Performance under the program has been described as broadly strong. Key prior actions, including restoring fuel and […]

Central Bank increases Overnight Policy Rate to 8.75-pct

The Monetary Policy Board, at its meeting held yesterday, decided to increase the Overnight Policy Rate (OPR) by 100 bps to 8.75%. Standing Deposit Facility Rate (SDFR) and Standing Lending Facility Rate (SLFR), which are linked to OPR with predetermined margins of ± 50 bps, are also increased to 8.25% and 9.25%, respectively. The Board […]

Sri Lanka’s Exports Surpass USD 5.7 Bn in First Four Months of 2026

Sri Lanka’s total exports, including both merchandise and services, reached US$ 1,380.93 million in April 2026, marking a year-on-year growth of 6% compared to April 2025. Based on provisional data from Sri Lanka Customs, along with estimated figures for Gems & Jewellery and Petroleum Products, merchandise exports in April 2026 rose by 9.87% to US$ […]

Energy Minister Dispels Coal Demurrage Rumors: Zero Extra Cost to Consumers

Energy Minister Anura Karunathilake has strongly refuted widespread social media claims alleging that the government is paying massive delay charges (demurrage) for ongoing coal shipments, assuring the public that the situation will place zero additional financial burden on electricity consumers. Speaking at a special media briefing, Minister Karunathilake clarified that the state-run Lanka Coal Company […]

CEB

Rs. 8.5 Billion for 1,898 Employees under CEB Voluntary Retirement Scheme

In line with the ongoing restructuring of the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB), the Ministry of Power and Energy has launched a major compensation program for employees opting for voluntary retirement. Under this initiative, a total of Rs. 8.5 billion has been allocated to reward 1,898 employees, marking one of the largest retirement compensation packages in […]

Sri Lanka’s New VAT Amendment to Digitize Tax Collection via Secured POS Systems

As part of a strategic effort to modernize the national tax infrastructure, the Government of Sri Lanka has tabled an amendment to the Value Added Tax (VAT) Act, No. 14 of 2002. The proposed Clause 12 introduces Section 64B, which centers on the integration of “secured point of sale machines” into the daily operations of […]

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