News
Tax dodgers’ sordid operations: Parliament owes explanation over Oversight Commitee Chairman’s accusations
By Shamindra Ferdinando
One-time Parliament Director (Administration) Lacille de Silva yesterday (03) said that MP Mahindananda Aluthgamage’s allegation that Finance Ministry and the House facilitated the sordid operations of tax dodgers had exposed both the government and the Opposition.
The civil society activist noted that MP Aluthgamage has made the disclosure in his capacity as Chairman of the Sectoral Oversight Committee on National Economic and Physical Plans ahead of the suspension of USD 2.9 IMF bailout package over Sri Lanka’s failure to meet revenue targets.
De Silva emphasized that the accusation directed at the Finance Ministry and Parliament was so serious that Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena and leaders of political parties couldn’t remain silent. Pointing out that 15 political parties represented the current Parliament, de Silva said that specific accusations should be investigated.
Responding to another query raised by The Island, de Silva explained that the failure on the part of the Inland Revenue, Customs and Excise Departments to meet revenue targets so far this year as alleged by lawmaker Aluthgamage should be examined against the backdrop of a staggering Rs 904 bn in unpaid income taxes alone over the past 15 years.
“Don’t find fault with the IMF for denying the much required second tranche of USD 330 mn. The SJB-led Opposition, including SLPP rebels, shouldn’t seek political mileage over the setback suffered by bankrupt Sri Lanka as all of them were responsible,” de Silva said.
Commenting on statements issued by the government and Opposition in the wake of the IMF imposing a fresh condition by way of a staff-level agreement before the release of the second tranche, Lacille de Silva said the government and the Opposition should be ashamed of their responses. The Opposition responded as if a sharp and unacceptable drop in revenue collection was caused by the UNP-SLPP coalition, de Silva said, urging the Parliament to address the issues at hand or face further deterioration.
Noting that lawmaker Aluthgamage, too, had served the cabinet over a period of time therefore couldn’t absolve himself of culpability for the developing economic crisis, de Silva said party leaders should act on the SLPPer’s accusations. Pointing out that President Ranil Wickremesinghe serves as the Finance Minister, de Silva stressed that he should address the issues raised by the IMF and Aluthgamage.
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.
Peru’s ex-president and first lady sentenced to 15 years in jail
China’s Xi hails ‘new golden era’ with Malaysia during trade tour
Severe traffic reported on Ella-Wellawaya road due to inclement weather
-
News5 days agoSuspect injured in police shooting hospitalised
-
Features6 days agoRobbers and Wreckers
-
Business6 days agoBhathiya Bulumulla – The Man I Knew
-
Business5 days agoSanjiv Hulugalle appointed CEO and General Manager of Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams Sri Lanka
-
Business7 days agoNational Anti-Corruption Action Plan launched with focus on economic recovery
-
Features4 days agoLiberation Day tariffs chaos could cause permanent damage to US economy, amid global tensions
-
Business4 days agoMembers’ Night of the Sri Lanka – Russia Business Council of The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce
-
Features4 days agoMinds and Memories picturing 65 years of Sri Lankan Politics and Society