News
JVP accuses MR of duplicity for speaking against VAT increase after voting for it
By Saman Indrajith
The SLPP’s duplicity is amply displayed by its double standards on the VAT increase, says the JVP-led NPP.Former JVP MP and NPP executive committee member Sunil Handunnetti, speaking at a press conference held at the party headquarters in Pelawatte yesterday, said that SLPP leader and former President Mahinda Rajapaksa voted to pass the VAT Amendment Bill in Parliament making laws to impose increased VAT, starting from January. A couple of days after voting for the VAT increase, Mahinda Rajapaksa now issues letters against VAT.
“Mahinda Rajapaksa is acting like Dawal Miguel and Re Daniel now. He led the SLPP in voting to pass the VAT increase in Parliament and is now claiming that they are against the tax policy. President Ranil Wickremesinghe alone cannot pass the VAT Bill. He has only one MP in Parliament. VAT was increased together with the SLPP MPs,” Hadunnetti said.
“If the SLPP, led by Mahinda Rajapaksa, had not voted in favour, the VAT increase would not have been possible. Now he issues letters finding fault with the government for the VAT increase. Everybody knows that VAT would not come down because of letters. What the SLPP should have actually done was to defeat the VAT Bill in Parliament. But their political double standard would not let them do so.”
He said that Rajapaksa, while proving by actions of his double standards, accuses Ranil Wickremesinghe of having two different policies. “Then why did the Rajapaksas keep Ranil Wickremesinghe as the President. By actions, Rajapaksa has proven that he stands with Ranil and in his letter he cries for people’s plight being further worsened by VAT.”
Commenting on Mahinda Rajapaksa’s letter calling for a people-friendly government, Handunnetti said that the entire nation was calling for a regime change. “People are now convinced that they need a people-friendly government. People are waiting for an election. It is the government that continues with the support of the Rajapaksas that does not give an election the people are yearning for,” Handunnetti said.NPP Economic Council Member Prof Anil Jayanta and executive committee member Chaturanga Abeysinghe also addressed the press.
Voting commenced at 7.00am to elect members to 339 local councils in the island.
Voting is being held at 13,579 polling centers and will end at 4.00 p.m.
Vietnamese President Luong Cuong warmly welcomed President Anura Kumara Disanayake during an official ceremony held in Hanoi on Monday (05) morning
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake was accorded a ceremonial welcome with full military honours upon his arrival at the Presidential Palace of Vietnam. He also took part in the inspection of the Tri-Forces Guard of Honour and the playing of the national anthems of Vietnam and Sri Lanka. The two leaders then introduced members of their respective delegations before proceeding for bilateral discussions during which both nation assessed their progress, explored avenues for future collaboration and signed Memoranda of Understanding.
Vietnam and Sri Lanka have upheld robust and enduring ties since they established diplomatic relations in 1970. and this visit aims to strengthen political trust and foster effective collaboration across multiple sectors between the two nations.
Sri Lanka and Vietnam engage in annual bilateral trade, primarily in exports, totalling around US$200 million. Both nations aspire to elevate this trade to US$1 billion in the near future.
President Dissanayake’s visit highlights Sri Lanka’s deep commitment to its longstanding friendship with Vietnam and demonstrates a mutual resolve to enhance collaboration in traditional sectors while exploring new opportunities in digital transformation, the digital economy, energy transition, artificial intelligence and connectivity.
[PMD]
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Heat index is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Eastern, Northern, North-western, and North-central provinces and Monaragala district
Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology At 3.30 p.m. 05 May 2025, valid for 06 May 2025
The public are warned that the Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Eastern, Northern, North-western, and North-central provinces and Monaragala district
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 above table 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.
Voting commences to elect members for 339 local government authorities
President holds talks with Vietnamese President
Heat index is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Eastern, Northern, North-western, and North-central provinces and Monaragala district
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