News
Pandora papers: 4 more countries begin probes into alleged offshore secret wealth of elites
By Sanath Nanayakkare
The Pandora Papers had triggered a flurry of dramatic fallout around the world as current and former leaders in Chile, the Czech Republic, Ecuador, and Ukraine are facing official scrutiny over illegal financial dealings revealed by the Pandora Papers, International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) said yesterday.
“In addition, the list of officials from different countries pledging tax probes of those named in the files is growing”, ICIJ said.
“Further to these developments, we are also beginning to see plans for proposed reforms in the U.S. and the EU for shaking off their reputation for playing a central role in how rich people around the world seek to hide and accentuate wealth in their countries,” they noted.
“Our reporting has also had some early impact in the rarified world of precious artifacts: The Denver Art Museum is preparing to return four antiquities to Cambodia following our investigation with the Washington Post and other media partners on an indicted art dealer’s offshore links,” they added.
The government of India said on Oct. 04 that it would investigate cases related to Pandora papers. The official spokesperson of Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) of India said that the probe would be monitored by a team headed by the chairman of CBDT. Other representatives of the multi-agency group include the Enforcement Directorate, Reserve Bank of India, Financial Intelligence Unit and CBDT.
According to Pakistani media reports, more than 700 people in the country were named in the papers, among them two members of the cabinet.
Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan addressing a high-level dialogue on ‘Financing for Development’ held on the sidelines of the 74th session of the UN General Assembly said that movement of ‘ill-gotten’ money was devastating the developing countries across the world.
“We have been trying our best to retrieve that money”, he said, conceding that even when his government located properties made from illegal money by Pakistanis abroad, it faced a number of legal lacuna and difficulties in trying to bring that money back.
He called upon developed countries to do better as far as the return of illicit wealth was concerned, saying “there is a lack of political will in the rich countries because they gain from it”.
Sri Lanka’s Thirukumar Nadesan and his wife Nirupama Rajapaksa were named in the Pandora papers
According to Pandora papers, the British-educated Nadesan – businessman and trustee of several Sri Lankan Hindu charities and temples had established shell companies and trusts in offshore jurisdictions.
Soon after the exposé, Thirukumar Nadesan had written to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa declaring his innocence and requesting an impartial investigation.
Cabinet spokesman Dullas Alahapperuma said on 06 Oct. that the President had asked Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption to conduct an investigation and issue a report on the assets of Nirupama Rajapaksa and her husband Thirukumar Nadesan within one month.
Secretary to the President, Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, met with a delegation from the World Food Programme (WFP) at the Presidential Secretariat this morning (11).
During the meeting, the WFP representatives agreed to continue their on-going programs in Sri Lanka without disruptions.
Although the food crisis in Sri Lanka has eased to some extent, the WFP officials expressed their willingness to extend further support through new programme whenever additional needs arise.
The WFP delegation included WFP Country Director Abdur Rahim Siddiqui, the Government Partnerships Officer Musthafa Nihmath and the Gerard Rebello , WFP Sri Lanka ‘s Deputy Country Director. Additional Secretary to the President, Roshan Gamage, also attended the meeting.
News
President directs officials to provide a monthly allowance of Rs. 3,000 to Pensioners from Next Week
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has instructed officials of the Ministry of Finance to take necessary action to provide a monthly interim allowance of Rs. 3000 to all pensioners, from next week.
After reviewing the delay in adding the Rs. 3000 allowance to the October pension, the President directed that this amount be credited to the pensioners’ accounts within the next week.
These instructions were given during a meeting held on Thursday (10) afternoon at the Presidential Secretariat with senior officials of the Ministry of Finance, chaired by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
Despite the circular No. 02/2024 dated 2024/08/24 issued by the Public Administration Department to grant a monthly interim allowance of Rs. 3000 to all pensioners, funds were not allocated for this purpose.
Upon reviewing the matter, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake informed the officials of the Ministry of Finance to ensure that the required funds are provided.
Considering the hardships faced by pensioners due to the non-payment of the Rs. 3000 allowance with the October pension, and their subsequent requests, the President decided to proceed with the payment from this month, despite the prevailing financial difficulties of the government.
Since the October pension has already been credited to the pensioners’ accounts, the President instructed officials to ensure that the Rs. 3000 allowance is credited to their accounts within the next week, and from next month, this allowance will be added to the monthly pension.
Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Secretary to the Ministry of Finance Mahinda Siriwardena and several senior officials from the Ministry of Finance were present at this meeting
[PMD]
The Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy Sail Training Warship ‘PO LANG’ which arrived in Sri Lanka on 08th October 2024, departed the island today (11th October), on successful completion of its formal visit. The Sri Lanka Navy bade customary farewell to the departing ship at the Colombo port, following naval traditions.
While the ship was in Colombo, the crew took the opportunity to explore some of the country’s tourist attractions. They also participated in various programmes designed to foster camaraderie between the two navies. Moreover, Sri Lanka Navy personnel attended briefings on the operational functions of the visiting ship.
WFP Assures Continuous Support to Sri Lanka
President directs officials to provide a monthly allowance of Rs. 3,000 to Pensioners from Next Week
Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy Sail Training Warship ‘PO LANG’ departs Island
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