Category: Politics
Joint Opposition MP imports first tax-free vehicle for this year
May 11, 2016 (LBO) – A Parliamentarian aligned with the joint opposition has imported a brand new Range Rover under the tax-free vehicle scheme of the Parliament, further widening the burden to taxpayers. The former Minister who usually shouts against the policies of this government is the first Parliamentarian who has cleared the vehicle from […]
Right to Information bill inconsistent with Constitution: Supreme Court
May 03, 2016 (LBO) – Sri Lanka’s Supreme Court has determined that certain clauses of Right to Information bill are inconsistent with the Constitution, Speaker Karu Jayasuriya revealed in Parliament today. Speaker Jayasuriya, delivering the Supreme Court determination at the opening of Parliament Proceedings today, said the bill needs a two-thirds majority to pass. Supreme […]
Unreasonable tax increases to be enforced after May Day: MR
Apr 28, 2016 (LBO) – Sri Lankan general public will have to suffer from unreasonable tax increases that are to come into effect from 2 May 2016, Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa said. Releasing a statement Rajapaksa said the government is going to increase taxes because there is no money to continue implementing the reckless pledges […]
HR improvement in Sri Lanka; concerns remain: UK Human Rights Report 2015
Apr 25, 2016 (LBO) – Sri Lanka continues to be named as one of 30 ‘Human Rights Priority Countries’ (HRPCs); where the UK has serious human rights concerns and hopes to engage positively, the United Kingdom’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) Annual Human Rights Report says. The report commends improvement in the human rights situation in […]
Panama Papers: Reclaiming money more important than revealing names, says ACF
Apr 08, 2016 (LBO) – Sri Lanka’s Anti Corruption Front says re-claiming money from hidden offshore accounts is more important than revealing names. Speaking about Panama Papers, an advisor to Anti Corruption Front, Rajith Keerthi Tennakoon told Lanka Business Online that the ICIJ organization has already started processing data on Sri Lanka. Tennakoon said investigations […]
Sri Lanka Parliament converts to Constitutional Assembly, members appointed
Apr 05, 2016 (LBO) – Sri Lanka’s new Parliament converted into a constitutional assembly for the first time today with the aim of enacting a new constitution. The Speaker Karu Jayasuriya is also the Chairman of the new Constitutional Assembly. The resolution presented by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe to convert parliament into a Constitutional Assembly in January […]
‘s UNP announces changes in party positions
Apr 05, 2016 (LBO) – Sri Lanka’s ruling United National Party on Tuesday carried out several changes in party positions, although there were no significant changes to the line up. The UNP Working Committee appointed Primary Industries Minister Daya Gamage as Senior Deputy Chairman of the party by abolishing the existing National Organizer post. Minister […]
Sri Lanka’s Right to Information Bill presented to Parliament
Mar 24, 2016 (LBO) – Sri Lanka’s long-awaited Right to Information Bill was presented to Parliament today as the first reading. Mass Media and Parliamentary Reforms Minister Gayantha Karunathilaka presented the bill to the house. The speaker Karu Jayasuriya yesterday informed Parliament that the bill has been passed through all provincial councils subjected to certain […]
PM’s allegation on undisclosed loans, a complete falsehood: MR
Mar 14, 2016 (LBO) – The prime Minister’s recent allegation on undisclosed loans is a complete falsehood, Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa said. Rajapaksa speaking at his Battaramulla office on Monday said state owned enterprises engage in commercial activities and they have their own dealings with banks. “Borrowings by state entities are governed by their respective […]
Sri Lanka’s UNP and Communist Party of China to strengthen links
Mar 07, 2016 (LBO) – Sri Lanka’s ruling United National Party has initiated plans to deepen its relationships with the Communist Party of China (CPC), the Board of Investment said in a media release. The statement came after the Chairman of the UNP Minister Malik Samarawickrama and Minister Sagala Ratnayaka concluding a meeting with Minister and Vice […]
Government should proceed cautiously on proposed ETCA with India: MR
Mar 07, 2016 (LBO) – Sri Lanka’s ex-President Mahinda Rajapaksa has urged the government to table in parliament the ETCA agreement they intend signing with India. Releasing a media release Rajapaksa insists the government to seek the views of trade chambers, professional associations and the general public before making any decision to enter into ETCA […]
US reiterates support for constitutional reforms in Sri Lanka
Mar 01, 2016 (LBO) – The United States after the first annual US, Sri Lanka Partnership Dialogue held recently in Washington has expressed support for the Government’s plans for constitutional and legislative reforms including public consultations on a new Constitution. Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera was in Washington DC on 25 and 26 February for the […]