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‘Many allegations but very few complaints’ – Asoka Obeysekera 

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by PRIYAN DE SILVA

Asoka Obeysekera, Executive Director of Transparency International in Sri Lanka  said that as aggrieved parties did not come forward, many allegations of bribery were made but very few complaints were lodged.

The aggrieved parties could inform the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery Or Corruption (CIABOC) or Transparency International of their grievances pertaining to bribery who would make further investigations and inform CIABOC

 A leading businessman recently alleged that both local as well as foreign investments in the country were being stalled or crippled by corrupt officials and politicians who demand millions of rupees as gratifications. “Approval for new ventures are unnecessarily delayed or never given while ongoing ventures are crippled if these corrupt officials are not bribed,” he said, relating his personal experiences. He added that as he was against corruption his ventures were facing many hardships.

Another businessman recalled that when he sought approval for leasing just over an acre of state land away from Colombo for an industry which would have brought in much foreign revenue, an MP demanded Rs. 100 million to help obtain approval.

The businessman said that he was stunned. “It would have taken me decades to earn one hundred million rupees,” he added.

The businessman said that he had given up on the project when he was informed that the lawmaker would settle for one fifth of the amount. He said he was not alone in that predicament, but many others chose to remain silent.

 



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Business

President outlines a bold vision for Sri Lanka tourism at THASL’s 58th AGM

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Addressing the 58th Annual General Meeting of The Hotels Association of Sri Lanka (THASL) held on Monday (27) at Shangri-La Hotel, Colombo, President Ranil Wickremesinghe outlined a comprehensive strategy to propel the country’s tourism sector to new heights. Focused on surpassing the target of 5 million tourists and redefining traditional approaches, the President’s vision extends to achieving 7.5 million visitors in the coming years. The President emphasized the need for innovative thinking and collaboration within the industry to ensure sustainable growth.

“When I took over the government, I realized that sustainability alone is not sufficient. How are we going to earn foreign exchange? How are we going to have a positive balance of trade? In that, there were many suggestions. But what is the low-hanging fruit? And one of the low-hanging fruits was tourism. Let’s promote tourism fully,” President Wickremesinghe declared.

The President acknowledged the need to move beyond the existing framework and embrace competition to elevate Sri Lanka’s standing in the global tourism market. Drawing parallels with countries like Vietnam, he questioned why they had more tourists despite being in the industry for a shorter period. President Wickremesinghe stressed the importance of increasing the number of tourists to 2.5 million in the upcoming year and subsequently expanding on this figure.

(PMD)

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Free visas for nationals of China, India, Indonesia, Russsia, Thailand, Malaysia and Japan from Monday (27)

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The Controller General of Immigration and Emigration has stated that nationals of China, India, Indonesia, Russsia, Thailand, Malaysia and Japan will be granted free visas from Monday 27-11-2023 to 31-03-2024 as a pilot program to rebuild the tourism industry.

Nationals of the above nominated countries possessing, Diplomatic, Official, Public Affairs, Services and Ordinary Passports are eligible to enjoy a visa free regime under this scheme.

The above mentioned nationals should apply for Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before arriving in Sri Lanka subject to granting / issuing free of charge up to 31-03-2024.

Under this scheme tourists can enjoy a 30 days free visa period and a double entry facility is permitted within 30 days from the date of first arrival in Sri Lanka.

Free ETA under this scheme can be applied up to 31-03-2024.

The free ETA cannot be extended further and is limited only to thirty (30) days. In case the free ETA period of 30 days expires after 31-03-2024, an extension of visa could be applied subject to paying the appropriate fee.

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Cabinet gives green light for Colombo Port City Order No. 3 of 2023 to be presented in Parliament

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The President in his capacity as the Minister of Investment Promotion has published the Colombo Port City Orders No. 3 of 2023 (Enterprises with Strategic Value – Guidelines for releasing or encouraging to award for customs – free enterprises) under the provisions of the Colombo Port City Economic Commission Act No. 11 of 2021 by the extraordinary gazette notification No. 2355/30 dated 25.10.2023.

The Cabinet of Ministers granted approval to the proposal furnished by the Hon. President in his capacity as the Minister of Investment Promotions to submit the said orders to the Parliament for its concurrence.

(PMD)

 

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