News

UNP Deputy Leader lists litany of problems created by restriction on IT equipment imports

Published

5 years ago

2021/09/14

By Saman Indrajith

The government’s decision to place mobile phones and communication equipment on the list of non-essential goods to import would result in sharp increases in their prices, UNP Deputy Leader Ruwan Wijewardene told an event organised to mark the UNP’s 75th anniversary..

Addressing a meeting of party activists by zoom, the UNP Deputy Leader said the import restrictions would place parents wanting to support children’s online education in further difficulty.

“Parents found it hard to buy laptops, mobile phones and tablet computers for their children even before this draconian ruling, so one can imagine what it will be like with its introduction. When we attempted to give tablet computers free of charge to all schoolchildren, those who are now in the government then in the Opposition opposed it. They did everything under the sun to sabotage that project. Today, we stand vindicated; if we had been able to carry out that project children would have been in a better position to continue their education,” Wijewardene said.

He said that the children of rich families would be able to continue their education while the majority who are from poor backgrounds would not be able to afford the new prices of communication equipment. “This will worsen the disparities in education and pave the way for distancing of children from education. It will also be detrimental to equal rights in education,” he said.

The new regulations would also be detrimental to the majority of those engaged in import businesses, he said. “We have large scale as well as small scale import businessmen. These new regulations will put an end to the businesses of most small scale importers. As per the new regulations there is a 100-percent cash margin deposit requirement against the import of goods that have been classified as non-essential. The large scale importers would not find it hard, instead they will see it as a business opportunity because for them that cash-margin deposit is an investment that could help them to acquire monopoly in the market as all small scale importers would be wiped out unable to meet the 100 percent cash margin requirement,” Wijewardene said.

He said that the new regulations would result in price increases of all essential goods too in the long run. “The government has no solutions to the problems created by the prevailing situation. It has opted for a Band-Aid solution by replacing the Central Bank Governor. That would not solve the problem, its solution has the potential to worsen the situation,” the UNP Deputy Leader added.

All News Advertisement

News

INS Sharda arrives in Colombo

Published

2 hours ago

2026/06/10

Priyan

The Indian Naval Ship (INS) Sharda arrived at the port of Colombo on 10 Jun 26 for an Operational Turnaround.

In keeping with time-honoured naval customs, the Sri Lanka Navy extended a traditional welcome to the visiting ship upon her arrival.

The Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) is under the command of Commander Kartik Sachdeva.

During the ship’s stay in the island, its crew is scheduled to take part in several programmes organised by the Sri Lanka Navy, aiming to foster camaraderie and professional interaction.

Additionally, the Indian naval personnel will explore several prominent tourist attractions of Sri Lanka.

News

The government is implementing a comprehensive programme to restore the livelihoods of fishermen and businesses affected by Cyclone Ditwah – PM

Published

5 hours ago

2026/06/10

Priyan

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that the Government has implemented a comprehensive programme to assist the fishing community and micro, small, medium, and large-scale entrepreneurs affected by Cyclone Ditwah in rebuilding their livelihoods.

The Prime Minister made these remarks while responding to questions in Parliament on Tuesday (09) regarding the relief measures introduced for those affected by the disaster.

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated:

“The Ministry of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources has initiated a special assistance programme for both marine and inland fishermen affected by Cyclone Ditwah. Under this programme, new fishing vessels will be provided to replace those that were completely destroyed, while partially damaged vessels will be repaired. The distribution of fishing nets to eligible fishermen has also commenced.

To support the recovery of businesses damaged by the cyclone, the Government has introduced a concessional loan scheme carrying an annual interest rate of 3 per cent. The programme, with a total allocation of Rs. 10,000 million, is being implemented through 15 banks. As at 28 April 2026, loans amounting to Rs. 3,812 million had been disbursed to 2,800 entrepreneurs. The scheme offers a repayment period of up to three years, including a six-month grace period, with the objective of enabling businesses to resume operations without delay. Applicants are required to obtain recommendations from the Grama Niladhari and the Divisional Secretary certifying that the business was operational before the cyclone and that it was affected by the disaster.

The Prime Minister further stated that, on the instructions of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, licensed banks have granted a moratorium on loan repayments and waived penalty interest until 31 January 2026. The Prime Minister also emphasized that compensation payments to affected entrepreneurs are continuing in accordance with the relevant ministerial circulars and disaster relief guidelines.

[Prime Minister’s Media Division]

News

Formulation of a Draft Economic Development Bill to expedite the process of Digital Transformation and Digital Economic Development

Published

15 hours ago

2026/06/10

Priyan

It is essential to establish an institutional framework with legal powers to ensure the effective implementation of national digital policy and guidelines.

Quality human capital should be attracted to this institutional framework for the compilation of policies, implementation of policies, regulation, and empowerment of operations. The continuous participation of the private sector should also be considered in establishing a strong institutional framework.

It has been further identified that attention should also be
drawn to new fields of digital innovation, including support for artificial intelligence and related activities.

Taking into consideration the aforementioned matters, a concept paper has been formulated to prepare a Draft Economic Development Bill for the establishment of a new institutional framework.

Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers has approved the resolution furnished by the President in his capacity as the Minister of Digital Economy to instruct legal draftsman to formulate a Draft Economic Development Bill based on the aforementioned concept paper.