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President discusses vehicle imports, tax reforms and digitalization with Finance Ministry Officials
President Anura Kumara Disanayake held an extensive discussion with officials from the Ministry of Finance on Tuesday (07) at the Presidential Secretariat. The meeting focused on issues related to vehicle imports, withholding tax, and the digitalization of VAT collection.
A significant portion of the discussion addressed the challenges surrounding vehicle imports to Sri Lanka. The President emphasized the need for a well-balanced approach to address these concerns, taking into account the country’s financial constraints and economic priorities.
The President also highlighted the importance of establishing a mechanism to refund withholding taxes deducted from retirees who are not subject to income tax. Additionally, President Disanayake highlighted the urgent need to digitize Value-Added Tax (VAT) collection processes to enhance efficiency and transparency. He announced plans to implement a comprehensive digital system soon, which is expected to improve tax compliance and revenue generation.
During the meeting, the President expressed optimism about Sri Lanka’s economic progress, stating that the country is steadily moving towards recovery and stability. He reiterated the government’s commitment to maximizing the benefits provided to citizens, even amidst the current challenges.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma, Secretary to the Ministry of Finance, Mahinda Siriwardana, the Governor of the Central Bank Nandalal Weerasinghe, Senior Advisor to the President Duminda Hulangamuwa and senior officials from the Ministry of Finance.
[PMD]
The Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya presented the Bill entitled “Appropriation”to the Parliament today (Jan. 9th), to provide for the service of the financial year 2025.
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Members of Parliament Prof. Chrishantha Abeysena and Shanakiyan Rasamanickam elected as Co-Chairs of the Parliamentary Caucus for Open Parliament Initiative
The inaugural meeting of the Parliamentary Caucus for Open Parliament Initiative which was reinstated for the 10th parliament took place on Wednesday (Jan. 08) at the Parliament premises and Minister. Prof. Chrishantha Abeysena and Member of Parliament Shanakiyan Rasamanickam were elected as Co-Chairs of this caucus.
The name of Minister Prof. Krishantha Abeysena as Co-Chair of the caucus was proposed by Member of Parliament Dr. Janaka Senarathna and seconded by Member of Parliament Attorney-at-Law Bhagya Sri Herath. The name of Member of Parliament Shanakiyan Rasamanickam was proposed by the Leader of the Opposition Hon. Sajith Premadasa and seconded by Member of Parliament Hon. Nalin Bandara.
Also, Member of Parliament Jagath Manuwarna was elected as the convener of this caucus and Members of Parliament Attorney-at-Law. Chamindrani Kiriella, Chandana Sooriyaarachchi, S. M. Marikkar and Attorney-at-Law Thushari Jayasinghe were elected as Co-Deputy Chairs.
Addressing this caucus, the new Co-Chairs mentioned that they are looking forward to doing all the work that can be done through this caucus in order to bring the Parliament closer to the people and expecting full support from all.
The Sri Lanka Navy and Coast Guard seized an Indian fishing boat which was poaching in Sri Lankan waters and apprehended 10 Indian fishermen, during a special operation conducted off the
Kovilan Lighthouse, Jaffna in the dark hours of 08th January 2025.
The Navy and Coast Guard continue to conduct regular patrols and operations in Sri Lankan waters to curb illegal fishing practices of foreign fishing boats, taking into account the impact of those practices on the livelihood of local fishermen.
The seized fishing boat together with the ten Indian fishermen were brought to the Kankesanthurai harbour and they will be handed over to the Mailadi Fisheries Inspector for onward legal proceedings.
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