News
First batch of vehicles imported for private use, since 2020, arrives
The first batch of vehicles imported for private use arrived at the Colombo Port on Tuesday (25) afternoon, following the government’s decision to end a five-year suspension on vehicle imports to conserve meagre foreign reserves.
Speaking to journalists in Colombo on Wednesday morning, Vehicle Importers’ Association of Sri Lanka (VIASL) President Prasad Manage said the first shipment arrived from Thailand, and another shipment from Japan is scheduled to arrive at the Hambantota International Port on Thursday (27).
The Sri Lankan government officially lifted the temporary ban on vehicle imports, which had been in place since early 2020, on January 31, 2025.
One of the primary reasons for lifting the suspension is to boost state revenue and meet the tax target of 15 percent of gross domestic product, a requirement under Sri Lanka’s bailout agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
During his recent Budget speech in Parliament, Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said the liberalization of motor vehicle imports is expected to generate a significant portion of the government’s revenue targets.
However, he emphasized that vehicle imports will be closely monitored to prevent any adverse effects on the country’s external sector stability.
Based on intelligence received by the Sri Lanka Coast Guard seven persons were arrested at Negombo, Panadura, Amblangoda and Weligama areas in possession of 9800 foreign cigarettes during search operations conducted from 5th to 13th January 2026
Officers of the Divisional Crime Detective Bureau, Mount Lavinia, too, have been involved in the operation, a senior official said.
The arrested persons along with the seized cigarettes were handed over to the Negombo, Mount Lavinia, Amblangoda and Weligama Police stations for further investigation and onward legal action.
The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) yesterday (14) announced that there wouldn’t be an electricity tariff revision for the first quarter of 2026 due to the failure on the part of the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) to submit a formal tariff revision proposal within the stipulated period.
In a statement issued, the PUCSL said that the following factors were taken into consideration: (1)the CEB’s failure to submit a formal proposal before the specified time, the defects in the original proposal, and the disadvantages of a high percentage change in tariffs in case a revision is implemented for the the first quarter, even if the CEB submits a new proposal.
The PUCSL said it informed the CEB in a letter in October last year to submit the tariff revision proposal for the period from January to March 2026 by November 14, 2025. But, the CEB had submitted its proposal for the first quarter of 2026 on December 29, 2025. Due to the errors in that proposal, the PUCSL said it informed the CEB on January 05, 2026, to submit a proper proposal before January 08, 2026. The CEB has failed to meet that deadline.
News
Asset acquisitions from 2009 to 2014: Weerawansa appears in court after HC issues arrest warrant
The Colombo High Court yesterday (14) issued a warrant for the arrest of National Freedom Front (NFF) leader and former Minister Wimal Weerawansa for failing to appear in court in connection with a case filed by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC).
The court subsequently ordered the recall of the arrest warrant when Weerawansa appeared before the court through his legal counsel. The case pertains to allegations of the unlawful acquisition of assets valued at over Rs. 75 million between January 01, 2009 and December 31, 2014. The CIABOC alleged that Weerawansa had acquired assets amounting to Rs 75 million.
The CIABOC has said that this is an offence punishable under the Asset and Property Act and listed 32 witnesses and 93 articles as evidence.
The charge sheet states that the assets in question include houses, vehicles and money.
The arrest warrant was issued by Colombo High Court Judge Mohamed Mihal.
The judge also directed that notices be served to the defendant’s bail signatories, requiring their presence before the court on the next scheduled hearing.
The CIABOC filed the case in November 2027 during the Yahapalanaya administration.
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Asset acquisitions from 2009 to 2014: Weerawansa appears in court after HC issues arrest warrant
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