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Harsha complains of threats and intimidation

Published

2 years ago

2024/06/8

Harsha

Chair of the Committee on Public Finance (COPF) MP Harsha de Silva yesterday (07) told Parliament of the challenges and intimidation he had faced while leading the inquiry into the outsourcing of issuance of on-arrival visas.

“This is not the first time I have faced resistance for unwavering commitment to transparency.”

Previously removed from the COPF Chair position twice – once for intervening in a corrupt coal tender that saved the country a significant sum – he was reappointed unanimously by the Opposition.”

The SJB MP said that under his leadership, the COPF had tackled numerous critical financial matters including:

Proposal of Casino Regulator to Implement the Betting and Gaming Levy Act based on international best practices

· Recommendations for Betting and Gaming Levy Act to improve government revenue

· CBSL salary hike review

· Inquiry into the EV Permits scheme and foregone taxes

· Improving VAT Equitability for Local Software Companies; Pickme Vs Uber

· Opposing the government’s removal of VAT exemptions on poshas, fertiliser, medical equipment, and ambulances.

· Wheat flour Scandal; directed towards auditor general for independent review.

· Recommended Drafting Anti-Dumping Laws

· Sugar Tax implementation and loss of government revenue

· Improving Port City Investment Climate; ensuring legal status of contracts and agreements

· Proposal to Combat period poverty via a voucher system

· Directives issued to Excise Dept on ‘Fake Stickers’ to collect due taxes

· Questioning the government’s attempt to increase import tax on milk powder, ultimately led to a price reduction.

· Successfully advocating for the redrafting of the Microfinance Bill due to its potential harm rather than benefit.

Despite this record, MP Harsha detailed the significant hurdles faced during the VFS inquiry. “Certain people not only tried to intimidate me but are now resorting to slinging mud, falsely accusing me of being in cahoots with VFS to hush things up,” he stated.

MP Harsha said he remained undeterred. “We will present a detailed report to Parliament, revealing everything we have uncovered during this investigation,” he declared. “I am committed to transparency and accountability in Sri Lankan governance, and these attempts to silence me will not succeed”, the MP added.

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IMF Executive Board approves US$206 Million in Emergency Financial Support for Sri Lanka

Published

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2025/12/20

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The IMF Executive Board approved emergency financing under the Rapid Financing Instrument (RFI), providing Sri Lanka with immediate access to SDR 150.5 million (about US$206 million,
equivalent to 26 percent of quota) to help Sri Lanka address the urgent needs arising from the catastrophic Cyclone Ditwah and preserve macroeconomic stability.

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Navy clears major bridge obstructions in Peradeniya and Lewella

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9 hours ago

2025/12/20

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In response to severe weather impacts, the Sri Lanka Navy conducted a diving and technical assistance operation on Friday (19 Dec 25) to clear major debris obstructing vital infrastructure.

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Landslide early warnings issued to the districts of Badulla, Kandy, Kurunegala, Matale and Nuwara-Eliya extended till 8AM on Sunday (21)

Published

12 hours ago

2025/12/20

Priyan

The Landslide Early Warning Centre of the National Building Research Organization (NBRO) has extended the Landslide Early Warning issued to the districts of Badulla, Kandy, Kurunegala, Matale and Nuwara-Eliya till 08:00AM on Sunday (21st December 2025)

The LEVEL III RED landslide early warnings issued to the Divisional Secetaries Divisions and surrounding areas of Medadumbara, Doluwa, Ududumbara and Minipe in the Kandy district, and Nildandahinna, Hanguranketha, Mathurata and
Walapane have been extended.

LEVEL II AMBER landslide early warnings have also been issued to the Divisional Secetaries Divisions and surrounding areas of Soranathota, Hali_Ela, Passara, Meegahakivula, Badulla, Lunugala and Kandeketiya in the Badulla district, Thumpane, Harispattuwa, Udapalatha, Kundasale, Akurana, Poojapitiya, Udunuwara, Pathadumbara, Pasbage Korale, Gangawata Korale, Hatharaliyadda, Yatinuwara, Ganga Ihala Korale, Panvila, Pathahewaheta and Deltota in the Kandy district, Rideegama in the Kurunegala district, Ukuwela, Naula, Matale, Ambanganga Korale, Rattota, Pallepola, Wilgamuwa, Yatawatta and Laggala Pallegama in the Matale district, and Nuwara-Eliya in the Nuwara-Eliya district.

LEVEL I YELLOW landslide early warnings have been issued to the Divisional Secetaries Divisions and surrounding areas of Uva Paranagama, Welimada, Haputhale, Haldummulla, Ella and
Bandarawela in the Badulla district, Alawwa, Mallawapitiya,
Polgahawela and Mawathagama in the Kurunegala district, and Kothmale East, Ambagamuwa Korale, Kothmale West, Thalawakele and Norwood in the Nuwara-Eliya district.