News
Spin-off from Pastor Jerome and Thilini Priyamali investigations
Cops join IRD to raise revenue
The police has launched a new collaboration with the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) to track down unexplained wealth and go after black money, a top official said.Under the new initiative, the police will inform the IRD of their on-going investigations into money laundering and financial scams so that tax investigations could be conducted in parallel.
The move followed police investigations into bank accounts of pastor Jerome and the discovery of transactions amounting to over 12 billion rupees which had gone unnoticed by the IRD.
“We will share details of our findings with the Inland Revenue. The two departments can work in a complementary way to increase government revenue,” a top police officer said.
He pointed out that any income earned legally or otherwise is liable for tax under the Inland Revenue Act and the authorities will go after big money irrespective of how it was earned.
The police cooperation is set to ease the man-power shortage at the IRD as they will now be able to target evaders identified during criminal investigations.A mega financial scam operated by Thilini Priyamali last year underscored how vast sums of black money was entrusted to her for “investments” by individuals unable to explain their source of wealth.
Priyamali is charged with defrauding over 226 million rupees from several individuals, including politicians. Most of her victims have not come forward to press charges fearing they will be asked to disclose the source of their incomes. Both the perpetrators and victims of alleged big-time financial frauds will now be brought to the notice of the IRD as a matter of routine, the police officer said.
Police urge motorists who intend to use the Ella – Wellawaya Road to use alternative roads as there is a severe vehicle congestion due to inclement weather condition.
The oil anointing ceremony for the Sinhala and Tamil New Year was held on April 16 at the historic Rajamaha Viharaya in Kolonnawa, with the participation of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.
Following the chanting of pirith, the oil anointing ritual was carried out at the auspicious time of 9:04 a.m., by the Chief Incumbent of the temple, Venerable Kolonnawa Dhammika Thero.
Speaking after the ceremony the Prime Minister said that:
“The Sinhala and Tamil New Year is one of the most important festivities in our country. It is a celebration with our families, reflecting our traditions and customs while strengthening the ties.
This festival leads the path for renewing unity, love, and bonds stronger. These values enrich a country. Development of a country is not limited by one-dimensional; a true development includes spirituality, relationships, and connections. The reason why we uphold these customs in such ceremonies is to remind ourselves of the significance and to pass on their value to future generations.
Therefore, today marks a significant day. Throughout this week, we came together and engaged in various activities. Followed by, the next event will mark the leaving for employment at the auspicious time and we should start working collectively to rebuild the country.
I wish everyone a New Year that is prosperous, peaceful, joyful, full of strengthened relationships, and most importantly, safe for all.”
The ceremony was graced by the presence of the Maha Sangha, and attended by the Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs Eranga Gunasekara, Divisional Secretary to Kolonnawa Priyanath Perera, Municipal Secretary Nelum Kumari Gamage, and the residents of the area.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
Latest News
Heat Index at ‘Caution Level’ at some places in Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Southern and Eastern provinces and in Rathnapura and Monaragala districts today [16]
Warm Weather Advisory Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology for 16 April 2025
The Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Southern and Eastern provinces and in Rathnapura and Monaragala districts.
The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.
Effect of the heat index on human body is mentioned in the table below and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.
ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated. Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.
Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491.
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