News
Brilliant Cuts showcase excellence at NCE Export Awards for second time

Brilliant Cuts (PVT) Ltd won recognition for the second year at the National Chamber of Commerce by winning the Bronze Award – Small category (Gem and Jewellery sector) at the 28th annual NCE Export Awards Ceremony 2020.
The achievement by Brilliant Cuts has reaffirmed the company’s significant contribution to the Sri Lankan gem and jewellery industry and offered hope for the future of the sector to reach milestones within the wider international market.
The reoccurring success exhibited throughout since its conception, backed by an unwavering spirit to strive to produce nothing but the finest of its calibre, Brilliant Cuts operates under the guidance of the Mrs. Malani Polgampola, Director and her daughter Vindya Perera, Managing Director.
Vindya has laid the foundation to build her own brand, Lustre, through Brilliant Cuts, and as a result she was previously awarded the Women Entrepreneur – Non-Traditional Business Gold Award at the Sabaragamuwa Province Best Entrepreneur of the Year 2020, Provincial Youngest Entrepreneur of the Year 2019 award from Sabaragamuwa Chamber of Commerce and the Bronze Award from National Chamber of Exports (small category) at the Sabaragamuwa Province Best Entrepreneur 2019.
The concept of both Brilliant Cuts and Lustre are such that they operate as two local platforms which open a creative space for novice and expert lapidary artists to uplift their talent further, and pave a rewarding career path for themselves in the Sri Lankan gem and jewellery industry, by pushing the boundaries of developing creative flair.
The guidance asserted by Brilliant Cuts on their valued lapidary artists has brought hope and opportunities for their careers to flourish in the local and international gem and jewellery market, ensuring a brighter future for those who lay their passion in crafting gems and jewellery. Initiatives have been put in place by Brilliant Cuts to expand the local gem and jewellery industry towards the international market.
However, unfortunate circumstances keep arising due to various reasons through distinctive distribution platforms in Sri Lanka, therefore a large number of products of the brand are unable to be distributed to the international market, enabling a fluctuation of production. The company strives to address these issues in the future with stronger and effective means of distribution.
As the industry progresses towards innovation and modernity, Brilliant Cut is at the forefront of being a catalyst towards accelerating such progressive initiatives.
News
Secretary to the President meets with heads of the Health sector

A special discussion between Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake and the heads of the health sector was held on Tuesday (18) at the Presidential Secretariat.
During the meeting, it was discussed that a committee would be formed to explore possible steps that could be taken through the President’s Fund to reduce the number of patients on long waiting lists for surgeries in government hospitals.
The committee is expected to submit a report on the matter within one month. Based on the findings, appropriate actions will be taken, as indicated by the Secretary to the President.
The discussion highlighted the significant number of patients, including those requiring cardiac, ophthalmic, and paediatric surgeries, who are currently awaiting procedures on long waiting lists at government hospitals.
Attention was also given to the potential support that could be provided by the President’s Fund and other relevant sectors to address the challenges faced by these patients.
Additionally, discussions were held regarding the possibility of conducting surgeries after regular working hours at government hospitals. The challenges faced by doctors and staff were also thoroughly discussed during the meeting.
The discussion was attended by several key officials, including Deputy Minister of Health and Mass Media Dr. Hansaka Wijemuni, Secretary to the Ministry of Health and Media Dr. Anil Jasinghe, Additional Secretary (Public Health Services) Dr. Lakshmi Somathunga, Director General of Health Services Dr. Asela Gunawardena, Senior Additional Secretary to the President Roshan Gamage, along with directors and specialist doctors from major hospitals across the country.
News
Govt. plan to boost revenue with taxes on vehicle imports unrealistic, warns Harsha

By Saman Indrajith
SJB Colombo District MP Dr. Harsha de Silva told Parliament yesterday that vehicle imports would be affected by unusually high prices. Commencing the Second Reading debate from the Opposition side, Dr. de Silva said that President Anura Kumara Dissanayake had, in his Budget speech, projected a substantial portion of tax revenue from vehicle imports. “What is the feasibility of such expectations, given the current price surge,” the MP queried.
“Who can afford to import vehicles at these rates? I do not believe there are enough affluent individuals in Sri Lanka to sustain vehicle imports at these exorbitant prices.”
Providing examples of the dramatic price increase, Dr. de Silva pointed out that a Toyota Raize now cost Rs. 12.2 mn, a Toyota Yaris Rs. 18.5 mn, and a Toyota Prius a staggering Rs. 28.9 mn.
“Someone mentioned that a Toyota Vitz could be available at Rs. 1.4 mn.”
Dr. de Silva said that the government aimed to increase tax revenue by 1.6% of GDP with a significant portion expected from vehicle imports. However, he warned that achieving that target was unrealistic under current circumstances. The government must reassess its reliance on this sector for increasing tax revenue,” he said.
News
SLN receives shallow water multi-beam echo sounder from Australia

Giving a significant boost to Sri Lanka’s hydrographic capabilities, the government of Australia handed over a state-of-the-art Shallow Water Multi-Beam Echo Sounder to the Sri Lanka Navy Hydrographic Service (SLNHS) during a ceremony held at SLNS Rangalla today (18 Feb 25). The formal ceremony was held under the auspices of the High Commissioner of Australia to Sri Lanka, Paul Stephens and the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda, marking new chapter in the discipline of hydrography.
The Australian government provided the Sri Lanka Navy with this Multi Beam Echo Sounder to enhance its hydrographic capabilities. This advanced equipment will enable the Sri Lanka Navy Hydrographic Service (SLNHS) to conduct precise hydrographic surveys, essential for creating nautical and electronic charts for international use. The device will also facilitate the production of high-precision nautical charts, ensuring safer maritime navigation.
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