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Committee on Ways and Means reveals traders’ profits range from Rs. 100 to Rs. 1000 per kilo from imported essential food items
A last week probe by the Committee on Ways and Means of Parliament on factors regarding the profit margins amassed by traders on imported essential food items found that there are glaring disparities between market prices and import costs while traders raking in profits ranging from Rs. 100 to Rs. 1,000 per kilo.
The committee chaired by MP Patali Champika Ranawaka has stated that consumers have been compelled to borne the brunt of inflated prices while traders have reaped substantial profits from the sale of these essential food items.
Officials from key institutions including the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, Department of Trade and Investment Policies, Sri Lanka Customs, Import and Export Control Department, Department of Census and Statistics, and the Hector Kobbekaduwa Agra-rian Research and Training Institute were questioned at this meeting, a parliament sources said.
Ranawaka instructed Sri Lanka Customs officials to furnish weekly reports pertaining to the importation of essential food items. It was disclosed that since 2018, there has been a consistent decline in tax revenues generated from imported goods, attributed to a mismatch in the Special Commodity Levy in accordance with the fluctuating value of the US dollar.
Ranawaka pointed out the necessity for formal registration of importers under category 2,525 to facilitate the collection of value-added tax (VAT) and streamline the import process under category 7,000.
Measures to recoup taxes on undue profits earned by importers from 2018 to 2023 were also mandated, with progress reports expected by month-end.
The Committee also tackled the issue of tax arrears, issuing directives to the Inland Revenue Department for swift action, including asset acquisition and legal recourse to recover Rs. 188 billion in unpaid taxes.
Additionally, measures were outlined to combat tax evasion, including the establishment of a digital platform for individuals earning over Rs. 100,000 per month.
In addition, the meeting addressed concerns regarding irregularities in granting licenses for importing electric vehicles to Sri Lankans working abroad. Pending completion of a forensic audit by the Auditor General, the committee directed the suspension of gazettes extending such licenses.
State Ministers and Members of Parliament, including Lasantha Alagiyawanna, Sisira Jayakodi, Anuradha Jayaratne, and others, were present at the committee meeting.
Pope Leo XIV appealed for “no more war” in a message to world powers during his first Sunday address at the Vatican.
Reflecting on current conflicts, the newly selected pontiff called for a “lasting peace” in the war in Ukraine, a ceasefire in Gaza, and welcomed Saturday’s agreement to end recent hostilities between India and Pakistan.
He said he was “deeply hurt” by events in Gaza, expressed hope for a “lasting accord” between India and Pakistan, and wished for a “authentic, true and lasting peace” in Ukraine.
The Pope also recited the Regina Caeli prayer, in honour of the Virgin Mary, to the crowd in St Peter’s Square.
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May this Vesak celebration be a blessed one filled with kindness and compassion towards all living beings – PM
In her Vesak day message, Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya wished that this Vesak celebration be a blessed one filled with kindness and compassion towards all living beings
The full text of the prime ministers vesak day message:
“It is an honor to extend my Vesak day message to all citizens of the nation during this sacred period in which Buddhist community across Sri Lanka come together to pay homage to the Lord Buddha, upholding both material and spiritual offerings and commemorating the threefold sacred events of the Lord Buddha’s life.
Since ancient times, the lives of the Sri Lankan people have been deeply rooted by the teaching of the Lord Buddha and this is a greater inheritance we have received through the Dhamma. In our country, where people of diverse ethnicities and religions coexist in harmony, the collective celebration of a major religious festival such as Vesak stands as a powerful testament to that unity.
This year Vesak day celebration marks the first to be celebrated under the current government, which was established with the vision of “A Prosperous Country, a Beautiful Life.” I believe that this Vesak season is a particularly a time to heal the hearts and minds of humanity, especially as our nation embarks on a path of meaningful transformation. Through this message, I take this opportunity to invite all of citizens to unite in mind and spirit, bound together by mutual respect and compassion.
I join all Sri Lankans in praying that the flames of war burning in various parts of the world at this moment may be extinguished, and that all people across the globe may be blessed with lives of happiness and peace.
May all of you have a blessed Vesak!”
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Special waste management programme launched under “Clean Sri Lanka” during the State Vesak Festival
Parallel with the State Vesak Festival that commenced on Saturday (10) in the Nuwara Eliya District, a special waste management initiative has been launched under the “Clean Sri Lanka” programme to enhance facilities for devotees and ensure proper waste disposal in the city of Nuwara Eliya.
With hundreds of thousands of people expected to visit Nuwara Eliya during the Vesak Week, from May 10 to 16, this initiative is aimed at preserving the cleanliness and beauty of the area.
The programme will focus particularly on areas around the Gregory Lake, a key tourist attraction, and the Nuwara Eliya International Buddhist Centre, the venue for the State Vesak Festival.
In addition, the “Clean Sri Lanka” initiative urges visiting devotees to refrain from bringing non-biodegradable material such as polythene and calls on all citizens to act responsibly by properly disposing of waste only at designated locations, while maintaining the sanctity and cleanliness of the environment.
Pope Leo appeals for no more war in first Sunday address
Hamas to release US-Israeli hostage as part of efforts to reach Gaza ceasefire
May this Vesak celebration be a blessed one filled with kindness and compassion towards all living beings – PM
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