Category: Politics
Government Reaches Agreement with IMF to Revise PAYE tax Policy, says President
President Ranil Wickremesinghe announced that the government has reached an agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to revise the Pay As You Earn (PAYE) tax, a significant concern for the public. He assured that following further discussions, relief measures would be implemented as soon as possible. “With the appreciation of the rupee, the cost […]
‘s pre-poll announcements of subsidies and pay hikes
Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL), in its role as an election watchdog that scrutinizes the misuse of public resources for election propaganda during the Presidential Election 2024, highlights that the Government’s recent pre-poll announcements on providing various subsidies and salary increments are a blatant and intentional violation of election laws. The Government last week announced that the […]
Claims of Large Outstanding Taxes Are an Illusion; Over Rs. 1Tn Tax Revenue Suspended Due to Court Cases: Officials
Commissioner General of the Excise Department M.J. Gunasiri dismissed claims of significant arrears in three major government revenue sources—namely the Inland Revenue Department, Sri Lanka Customs, and the Excise Department—as myths. Speaking at the press briefing titled “Collective Path to a Stable Country” held at the Presidential Media Centre (PMC), today (26), he clarified that […]
The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce Hosts Economic Policy Debate Ahead of Presidential Election
The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce that in the lead-up to the Presidential election, it will host Sri Lanka’s first-ever debate on economic policy featuring the leading economic policy experts nominated by the four main Presidential candidates. ‘Defining the Vision – THE Debate’ is set to take place on 29th August at […]
‘Defining the Vision’ – Debate Hosted by The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce
The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that at its invitation, the four main Presidential candidates have nominated their leading economic policy experts to participate in a debate presenting each party’s economic policies and pledges ahead of the 2024 Presidential Election, on 29th August at the BMICH. Hon. Shehan Semasighe representing the President […]
“Chanda Salli Meetare”: First-Ever Campaign Finance Observation Tool Unveiled
For the first time in Sri Lanka, six prominent Election Observation Organizations, namely, Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL), People’s Action for Free and Fair Elections (PAFFREL), Campaign for Free and Fair Elections (CaFFE), Centre for Monitoring Election Violence (CMEV), Hashtag Generation, and the Institute for Democratic Reforms and Electoral Studies (IRES) have established a Campaign […]
Indo-Pacific Endeavour Begins In Sri Lanka
Australia’s flagship regional engagement activity, Indo-Pacific Endeavour (IPE), commences this week in Sri Lanka with a number of engagements on bilateral priorities. IPE supports the Australian Government’s focus on deepening our diplomatic and defence partnerships across Southeast Asia and the Northeast Indian Ocean, and reinforces Australia’s commitment to a peaceful, stable and prosperous region, founded […]
Eran Challenges USD20 M Mineral Discovery Seizure in Puttalam by Politically Connected Group
Former Minister of State for Finance Mr. Eran Wickramaratne raised a question in Parliament as to why Puttalam Ilmenite Limited (PIL) which has spent over USD 20 million over the last 10-years, has been denied entry to Sri Lanka Cement corporation land hindering the project realisation. The envisaged investment is USD 100 million which is the largest […]
Montana National Guard, U.S. Pacific Air Forces & Sri Lanka Air Force to conduct joint military exercise
The Montana National Guard and U.S. Pacific Air Forces, in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Air Force and members of the Maldives National Defense Force, are conducting ‘Atlas Angel,’ a joint military exercise aimed at enhancing preparation and response to natural and man-made disasters. From August 5- 9, more than 70 U.S. personnel and two […]
Presidential Election to be held on September 21
The Election Commission of Sri Lanka has issued the Gazette notification announcing the date of the 2024 Presidential Election and the date for accepting nominations. Accordingly, according to the Gazette notification, the Presidential Election will be held on 21 September 2024 and Nominations will be accepted on 15 August 2024.
‘s Report on Effective RAMIS System Utilization Presented to the President
The report from the Cabinet Sub-Committee appointed to investigate and recommend effective utilization of the Revenue Administration Management Information System (RAMIS) was recently presented to President Ranil Wickremesinghe at the President’s Office. Minister of Finance, Economic Stabilization, and National Policy, Mr. Ranil Wickremesinghe, issued Cabinet Memorandum No. 24/0696/604/079 on ‘Revenue Administration Management Information System (RAMIS) […]
COPF uncovers major failings in online visa procurement; calls for forensic audit & possible abrogation or amendment
The Committee on Public Finance (COPF), chaired by Dr. Harsha de Silva, has released a critical report revealing major discrepancies in the procurement process and agreement with the Consortium comprising GBS Technology Services, IVS Global-FZCO, and VF Worldwide Holdings Ltd. The Committee’s findings highlight significant concerns and recommend urgent corrective actions. Key Findings: Uncompetitive Procurement […]