News
SJB raises concerns over questionable process of appointing new AECs
Former SJB MP Mujibur Rahuman yesterday called on the Finance Ministry Secretary and the Excise Commissioner General to intervene immediately to rectify the issue of appointing new Assistant Excise Commissioners through a questionable examination.
Addressing the media in Colombo, Rahuman said that a crisis caused by appointing excise commissioners in a haphazard manner without following proper examination process would have negative repercussions on excise revenue collection process.
Rahuman said that the Excise Department had already failed to collect due tax revenue from liquor producers and a crisis caused by appointing excise commissioners through an informal examination had exacerbated the crisis because many officials in the Department are up in arms against it.
“Further to this, there is a question of the legality of the licenses issued by these assistant commissioners. The Excise Commissioner and the Secretary of the Ministry of Finance have done nothing to rectify this situation. They must intervene immediately to sort this out,” Rahuman said.
“A group of excise officers have already gone before courts against these appointments on the grounds that the examination was not legal. The Public Service Commission and its Appeals Board, too, have issued statements to the effect that the said examination was an illegal one. Both the Finance Ministry Secretary and Commissioner General Excise keep mum on this issue which results in further decrease in collection of excise revenue. The Inland Revenue Department, coming under the Finance Ministry, already has failed to collect a tax revenue of between Rs 800 to Rs 900 billion, and the Excise Department, too, has failed to collect their revenue”, the former MP said.
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.
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