News
New tax puts small-time rice millers out of business
By A.A. Premasiri
Around 75 percent of small and medium scale rice mills had been closed down, W.H. Gamini, Tissamaharama Rice Producers Association Chairman, told The Island on Friday.
“Now, we have to pay an additional 2.5 percent social security tax. We have decided to stop buying paddy until we are exempted from this tax,” he said.
Gamini also said that the government had to look into policies that discourage small and medium scale rice mills while encouraging a monopoly by large rice mills.
“Around 60 percent of the rice consumed by Sri Lankans is produced by small and medium scale rice mills. However, we don’t have the political or financial muscle that the big guys have. With the new social security levy we have to pay an extra five rupees to the government from each kilo of rice we produce. We have to pay another five rupees when we release the rice to the market. We can’t increase the price of rice. If this continues 200,000 people will lose jobs,” he said. Meanwhile, Polonnaruwa district Samagi Jana Balavegaya (SJB) MP Kins Nelson said that large scale rice millers are now buying paddy, at a low price, as small scale mills have reduced purchasing, and the government has ceased purchasing paddy completely.
“The farmers are also in trouble. They don’t know what the price of fertiliser will be. They don’t know if they will get enough fuel. Those who farm have their harvest bought off cheaply by a few big players. When the harvesting time came, we asked the government to buy a kilo of paddy at 150 rupees. Some henchmen of big rice mill owners said if this was done the kilo of rice would be sold at 300 rupees. Guess what, a kilo of rice is around 300 rupees while farmers get a pittance,” he said.
The Indian Naval Ship (INS) Sahyadri which arrived at the Port of Colombo on a formal visit on 04 Apr 25, departed the island today (07 Apr). The Sri Lanka Navy bade customary farewell to the departing ship at the Port of Colombo, following naval traditions.
During the ship’s stay in Colombo, crew members of INS Sahyadri took part in several programmes organized by the Sri Lanka Navy, aimed at enhancing mutual cooperation. In addition, they also explored some tourist attractions in the country. Further, personnel of Sri Lanka Navy had the opportunity to visit INS Sahyadri, gaining insights into her operational capabilities.
Latest News
Advisory for severe lightning issued for Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Hambanthota district
The Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre has issued an Advisory for Severe Lightning for the Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Hambanthota district.
The advisory issued at 02.00 p.m. today [07 April 2025] is valid for the period until 11.00 p.m. 07 April 2025
The public are warned that thundershowers accompanied by severe lightning are likely to occur at several places in for Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Hambantota district. There may be temporary localized strong winds during thundershowers. General public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by lightning activity.
ACTION REQUIRED:
The Department of Meteorology advises that people should:
Seek shelter, preferably indoors and never under trees.
• Avoid open areas such as paddy fields, tea plantations and open water bodies during thunderstorms.
• Avoid using wired telephones and connected electric appliances during thunderstorms.
• Avoid using open vehicles, such as bicycles, tractors and boats etc.
• Beware of fallen trees and power lines.
• For emergency assistance contact the local disaster management authorities.
The report of the “Census of Population and Housing 2024,” conducted by the Department of Census and Statistics, was officially handed over to President Anura Kumara Disanayake this morning (07) at the Presidential Secretariat.
This preliminary report has been prepared based on island wide data collected between October and December 2024.
The report provides details on Sri Lanka’s population, its growth and the distribution of the population across districts.
The information gathered through the census is vital not only for the government but also for other institutions in formulating policies and development plans essential for the country’s progress. Significantly, for the first time in the history of census-collecting in Sri Lanka, data collection was carried out using tablet computers and user-friendly mobile devices.
The event was attended by Deputy Minister of Finance & Planning, Harshana Suriyapperuma, Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Secretary to the Ministry of Finance Mahinda Siriwardana, Director General of the Department of Census and Statistics D.D.G.A. Senevirathne and several other officials.
INS Sahyadri sets sail from Colombo
Belgian prince loses bid for benefits on top of £300k royal allowance
Advisory for severe lightning issued for Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Hambanthota district
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