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Sugar duty scam: Bandula misses CIABOC summons, asks for another day

Published

3 years ago

2022/12/22

Media and Transport Minister, Bandula Gunawardane,has asked the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC), which is inquiring into massive revenue losses suffered in 2020/2021, owing to an alleged sugar tax scam, to give him another day to appear before the Commission.

Sources close to the Minister told The Island that the former Trade Minister had been informed of the CIABOC summons at the last moment, hence his inability to provide a statement. Earlier, the CIABOC said that lawmaker Gunawardane was asked to come on Monday (19).

State Finance Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya, on Nov 09. informed Parliament that the Treasury had suffered losses amounting to Rs 16 bn due to the unprecedented reduction of duty on a kilo of white sugar from Rs 50 to 25 cents, with effect from Oct. 13, 2020. The SLFPer said that the Treasury could recover only 30 percent of the Rs 16 bn loss.

Lawmaker Siyambalapitiya assured Parliament that the government would ensure such unilateral decisions couldn’t be taken in the future. Authoritative sources told The Island that the then Presidential Secretary, Dr. P.B.

Jayasundera, had been questioned in this regard. The one-time Secretary to the Treasury has told investigators the President cleared the reduction of duty on sugar.

Then Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa served as the Finance Minister, at the time, whereas Ajith Nivard Cabraal held the State Finance portfolio. S.R. Attygalle served as the Secretary to the Treasury. The SLPP government increased the duty to Rs 50, in May 2020, a couple of months before the general election.

CIABOC would seek clarification from Minister Gunawardane as regards his disclosure, in Parliament, on Dec. 09, that those who spoke on behalf of sugar racketeers had the ear of then President Gotabaya Rajapaksa.

Minister Gunawardane said that in spite of him being the Trade Minister, he was not consulted at all and his strong opposition to it was disregarded by President Rajapaksa. Responding to SLFP General Secretary, Dayasiri Jayasekera, MP, lawmaker Gunawardane claimed that inimical decisions were taken by ‘advisors’ at the expense of Ministers who lacked authority.

CIABOC has so far recorded statements from over 30 persons, in respect of the high profile investigation, launched, following complaints received from Samagi Jana Balavegaya MPs, Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka and Mayantha Dissanayake, and public interest litigator Nagananda Kodituwakku.

The Island learns that the CIABOC is also contemplating to obtain a statement from former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in this regard. Sources said that a clarification was required as some of those who had been questioned over the issuance of the relevant gazette by the Finance Ministry claimed they received instructions from the President.

Former Chairman of the Public Finance Commission, Anura Priyadarshana Yapa, is on record as having said that the reduction of duty on sugar didn’t benefit the consumers at all. (SF)

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Related Topics:Bandula Gunawardane Minister Bandula Gunawardane

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Pakistan High Commissioner pays courtsey call on PM

Published

2 hours ago

2026/05/2

Priyan

High Commissioner of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to Sri Lanka Major General (Retd) Nayyar Naseer met with the Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya at Temple Trees on 30th April

Welcoming the High Commissioner of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to Sri Lanka, the Prime Minister expressed sincere appreciation for the continued support and cooperation extended by the Government of Pakistan to Sri Lanka, particularly the assistance provided following the Ditwah Cyclone.

Both sides reaffirmed the longstanding and cordial relations between Sri Lanka and Pakistan, which are founded on mutual respect, friendship, and shared interests.

The meeting also focused on the importance of further strengthening collaboration in key sectors such as education, tourism, and sports, with a view to enhancing people-to-people ties and creating new opportunities for cooperation reiterating Sri Lanka’s commitment to deepening bilateral engagement.

The meeting was attended by the Deputy High Commissioner of Pakistan to Sri Lanka Ms. Zunaira Latif, Secretary to the Prime Minister, Pradeep Saputhanthri, Additional Secretary Ms. Sagarika Bogahawatta, and officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism.

(Prime Minister’s Media Division)

News

Ambassador of Nepal to Sri Lanka pays farewll call on PM

Published

2 hours ago

2026/05/2

Priyan

The Ambassador of Nepal to SriLanka, Dr. Purna Bahadurn Nepali paid a farewell courtesy call on Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya on Thursday (30th of April) at Temple Trees.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister conveyed sincere appreciation for the dedicated service and valuable contributions towards strengthening the longstanding bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and Nepal during the tenure of Dr. Purna Bahadurn Nepali.

Both parties reaffirmed the longstanding bilateral relations between the two countries, which are based on shared cultural, religious, and historical linkages. The Prime Minister also reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to further deepening bilateral relations with Nepal and enhancing cooperation for the mutual benefit of both nations.

The meeting was attended by the Secretary to the Prime Minister, Pradeep Saputhanthri, Additional Secretary Ms. Sagarika Bogahawatta, and officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism.

(Prime Minister’s Media Division)

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Heat Index at Caution Level in the Northern, North-central, Eastern, Sabaragamuwa, North-western provinces and in Monaragala district during the day time

Published

2 hours ago

2026/05/2

Priyan

Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 01 May 2026, valid for 02 May 2026.

The Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Northern, North-central, Eastern, Sabaragamuwa, North-western provinces and in Monaragala district during the day time.

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 the 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.