News
Harsha asks govt. not to impose steep tax on professional incomes lest it should worsen brain drain
MP Dr. Harsha de Silva, the top honcho in the Samagi Jana Balavegaya on matters concerning finances, yesterday told The Island that many professionals from various fields, from the health sector to IT, had written to them seeking their intervention to halt the proposed draconian tax burden on them, especially during these economic hard times. Higher taxes, as much as 36%, is actually contributing to the brain drain of this country, Dr. de Silva said.
As part of the Committee on Public Finance (COPF), Dr. De Silva said they had refused to approve the proposed personal income tax amendment until the Ministry of Finance (MoF) came out with a better alternative/comparative tax scheme.
“When we analyse data given by the MoF, and looking at the Indian tax model, it becomes clear that we can emulate the Indian tax schemes of 5%, 20% and 30% slabs and still generate Rs 62 billion (which is just Rs 6 billion short of what the government expect to raise from the taxes amounting to 6%, 12%, 18%, 24%, 30% and 36%).
“This will certainly give the middle class some breathing space. Moreover, there are numerous ways of meeting the shortfall of Rs. 6 billion. For example, recent data on revenue points out that the Department of Inland Revenue has to collect a massive sum from Casinos that have evaded taxes. Reducing government expenditure in certain non-essential sectors could be another way.
There are alternative ways to gain the expected revenue, while protecting the hard-hit middle class professionals of this country. I urge the government to look at the alternative method proposed by the technical team of the COPF.
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IGP Deshabandhu Tennakoon informed to be present before the Committee of Inquiry on 19th May
IGP T.M.W. Deshabandhu Tennakoon has been informed to be present before the ‘Committee of Inquiry to inquire and report its findings on IGP T.M.W. Deshabandhu Tennakoon in respect of acts of gross abuse of power’ on the 19th of May 2025.
This Committee met in the Parliament premises on several occasions as of now, and accordingly, for the first time, IGP T.M.W. Deshabandhu Tennakoon has been informed by the Committee, to appear before it, for future investigations.
News
UNESCO Director General candidate Dr. Khaled El Enany meets Deputy Speaker of Parliament of Sri Lanka
Dr. Khaled El Enany – the UNESCO Director General Candidate of the Arab Republic of Egypt met with the Deputy Speaker of Parliament of Sri Lanka Dr. Risvie Salih at the Parliament premises recently (May 05).
During the meeting, both parties reaffirmed the long-standing and cordial bilateral relationship between Egypt and Sri Lanka, emphasizing their shared commitment to further strengthening ties in areas of mutual interest. Dr. El Enany outlined his vision as a candidate for UNESCO leadership, highlighting his dedication to fostering cultural collaboration and understanding among nations. Dr. Risvie Salih also highlighted Sri Lanka’s non-aligned foreign policy and long-standing relationship with Egypt.
The meeting was also attended by the Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt to Sri Lanka, and Chaminda Kularatne, Chief of Staff and Deputy Secretary General of Parliament of Sri Lanka.
Samantha Ranasinghe was sworn in today (May 08) before the Speaker, Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne, as a Member of the Tenth Parliament.
Following the oath and affirmation before the Speaker, he signed the Members’ Roll placed before the Secretary General of Parliament, Mrs. Kushani Rohanadeera.
Member of Parliament Samantha Ranasinghe has been thus appointed to fill the vacancy created due to the demise of Kosala Nuwan Jayaweera, who served as a Member of Parliament from the Kegalle District representing the National People’s Power.
IGP Deshabandhu Tennakoon informed to be present before the Committee of Inquiry on 19th May
UNESCO Director General candidate Dr. Khaled El Enany meets Deputy Speaker of Parliament of Sri Lanka
Samantha Ranasinghe sworn in as a Member of Parliament
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