News
SJB alleges maize tax fraud, claims SLPP, SLFP benefited from sugar scam
By Shamindra Ferdinando
SJB MP Rohini Kaviratne has alleged that a key figure in the Agriculture Ministry and about ten businessmen have benefited from the lowering of import duty on maize. The Matale District MP said so in Parliament on Wednesday (23) responding to State Finance Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya’s recent announcement that import duty on a kilo of maize had been reduced from Rs. 75 to Rs. 25 to bring down the cost of animal feed. Despite an initial decision to reduce the duty on maize to Rs 50 a kilo, it had been reduced to Rs 25, she said, claiming that the revenue losses could be Rs. 5 bn.
Referring to the sugar tax scam carried out by a couple of weeks after the SLPP’s victory at the last general election conducted in August 2020, MP Kaviratne said the powers that be working hand in glove with major importers had manipulated import duties on food imports.
The Finance Ministry issued a special gazette notification on Oct 13, 2020 to bring down Rs 50 tax on a kilo of imported white sugar to 25 cents. A special examination carried out by National Audit Office (NAO) revealed that the Treasury was deprived of Rs 16 bn within four months (Oct 14, 2020 to Feb. 08, 2021).
Comparing the sugar tax scam with the recent cut in maize tax, MP Kaviratne alleged that massive profits accrued through the 2020 rip-off was used to pay for SLPP election campaigns. The MP was referring to last presidential and parliamentary polls in Nov 2019 and Aug 2020, respectively.
The NAO has declared that Pyramid Wilmar (Pvt) Ltd–the private company accused of profiteering from the sugar tax cut imported 1,222 percent more sugar than usual between October 2020 and February 2021, but did not pass the advantage to consumers. This is 45 percent of the total quantity imported by all importers (which was 277,713MT).
MP Kaviratne said that the coconut oil scam too had deprived the Treasury of as much as Rs 3 bn.
Commenting further on the reductn of import duty on maize, Kaviratne said maize cultivators in Moneragala, Hambantota, Matale, Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Mahiyanganaya and Girandurukotte areas would suffer due to the government decision. According to her, those responsible for the maize tax scam were planning to reduce the tax on the import of green gram and orid.
Kaviratne claimed that funds had also been utilised for the SLFP convention at a Colombo venue though the original plan was to have it in party General Secretary Dayasiri Jayasekera’s electorate in the Kurunegala District.
MP Kaviratne also alleged that an organized project was underway targeting maize cultivators. The MP claimed forms requesting government assistance had been distributed by interested parties, including some SLPP MPs representing the SLFP though the relevant government agencies weren’t aware. The MP alleged that MP Duminda Dissanayake and MP Mahinda Amaraweera were responsible for the ‘operations’ in Anuradhapura and Hambantota, respectively.
The SJB spokesperson alleged that the SLFP, the major beneficiary of the maize tax scam, had launched a propaganda campaign eyeing future elections while the farmer community was plunged into crisis.
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Level III landslide early warnings issued to the Districts of Kandy, Kegalle, Kurunegala and Matale extended
The Level III landslide early warnings issued to the districts of Kandy, Kegalle, Kurunegala and Matale by the landslide early warning center of the National Building Research Organisation [NBRO] have been extended until 1600 hrs on Friday [12th December 2025]
Accordingly,
The LEVEL III RED warnings issued to the Divisional Secretaries Divisions and surrounding areas of Kundasale, Pasbage Korale, Medadumbara, Ganga Ihala Korale, Hatharaliyadda, Pathadumbara, Doluwa, Panvila, Gangawata Korale, Ududumbara, Akurana, Yatinuwara, Harispattuwa, Deltota, Thumpane, Poojapitiya, Udapalatha, Udunuwara, Minipe and Pathahewaheta in the Kandy district, Yatiyanthota in the Kegalle district, Rideegama, Mawathagama and Mallawapitiya in the Kurunegala district, and Yatawatta, Ambanganga Korale, Wilgamuwa, Laggala Pallegama, Rattota, Pallepola, Naula, Matale and Ukuwela in the Matale district have been extended.
LEVEL II AMBER landslide early warnings have been issued to the Divisional Secretaries Divisions and surrounding areas of Uva Paranagama, Hali_Ela, Meegahakivula, Badulla, Kandeketiya, Bandarawela, Soranathota, Ella, Haputhale, Lunugala, Welimada, Haldummulla and Passara in the Badulla district, Warakapola, Kegalle, Mawanella, Rambukkana, Bulathkohupitiya, Dehiowita, Ruwanwella, Aranayaka, Galigamuwa and Deraniyagala in the Kegalle district, Alawwa and Polgahawela in the Kurunegala district, Kothmale East, Thalawakele, Walapane, Kothmale West, Nuwara Eliya, Mathurata, Nildandahinna, Hanguranketha, Ambagamuwa Korale and Norwood in the Nuwara Eliya district, and Kolonna, Kahawaththa and Godakawela in the Ratnapura district.
LEVEL I YELLOW landslide early warnings have been issued to the Divisional Secretaries Divisions and surrounding areas of Divulapitiya, Attanagalla and Mirigama in the Gampaha district, Narammala in the Kurunegala district, and Balangoda, Kalawana, Ratnapura, Kuruwita, Imbulpe, Ayagama, Openayake, Nivithigala, Kaltota, Eheliyagoda, Elapatha, Kiriella and Pelmadulla in the Ratnapura district.
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Sri Lanka grateful for the support extended by the United States and other friendly nations following the recent disaster – President
During a meeting at the Presidential Secretariat today (11), Ms. Allison Hooker, U.S. Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, expressed her confidence in President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s leadership in steering Sri Lanka’s recovery and rebuilding efforts. She affirmed that the United States stands ready to provide any necessary support to assist Sri Lanka’s recovery.
Ms. Hooker also conveyed her condolences to the families of the victims of the disaster and expressed satisfaction at being able to extend assistance during this challenging period.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake conveyed his appreciation for the assistance provided by the President of the United States and the government in dispatching various relief teams to the country during this challenging period. The President also acknowledged the sincere support offered to Sri Lanka by all friendly nations globally, including the United States.
President Dissanayake highlighted that Sri Lanka encountered this disaster while the nation’s economy was on the path to stabilization and economic indicators were showing improvement. He emphasized the need for future focus on enhancing the livelihoods of those affected and on the long-term development of infrastructure facilities.
The President stated that restoring infrastructure, including highways and railways, as well as key income sources such as agriculture, livestock and small to medium-sized enterprises, which have been devastated by floods and landslides, will require time. He also expressed the expectation of support from all friendly nations in this effort.
The Under Secretary of State emphasized that the United States has drawn its attention to restarting discussions regarding US tariffs. Additionally, she expressed support for enhancing tourism between the United States and Sri Lanka, as well as for the growth of trade and maritime operations between the two nations. Furthermore, she highlighted U.S. support for Sri Lanka’s initiatives to combat drug-related issues.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake noted that a significant number of American tourists have visited the country recently and that Sri Lanka anticipates a continued increase in such arrivals. He acknowledged the support of the U.S. government in assisting the Sri Lankan people to overcome the ongoing disaster and improve their quality of life.
The meeting was attended by Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando, Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning, Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma and members of the U.S. diplomatic mission, including U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Ms. Julie Chang.
The Deputy Registrars of Malwatta and Asgiriya chapters commended the government, led by the President, for its initiative to rebuild the lives of the people and restore the country following the recent disaster, expressing their blessings for these efforts.
The remarks were made by Deputy Registrar of the Malwathu Maha Viharaya Chapter of the Siyamopali Maha Nikaya, Rajakiya Panditha Darshanapathi Venerable Mahawela Rathanapala Thero, Deputy Registrar of the Asgiriya Chapter of the Siyamopali Maha Nikaya & Chief Incumbent of the historic Badulu Muthiyangana Raja Maha Viharaya, Ven. Dr.Muruddeniye Dhammarathana Thero and Diyawadana Nilame of the historic Kandy Sri Dalada Maligawa, . Nilanga Dela, during a meeting with the President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Presidential Secretariat this morning (11).
The discussions focused on relief and resettlement activities for communities affected in the Kandy district.
The Diyawadana Nilame highlighted the role that the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic can play in supporting resettlement efforts.
In support of the rebuilding initiative, the historic Sri Dalada Maligawa also made a financial contribution to the ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ Fund.
Secretary to the President, Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, was also present at the meeting.
Level III landslide early warnings issued to the Districts of Kandy, Kegalle, Kurunegala and Matale extended
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Sri Lanka grateful for the support extended by the United States and other friendly nations following the recent disaster – President
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