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President announces how JJB govt lowered IMF benchmarks for benefit of people

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President Anura Kumara Dissanayake

By Sanath Nanayakkare

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake speaking in parliament yesterday listed the achievements his government made in bringing tax relief to certain sections of the society during the 3rd review of the IMF, under its Extended Fund Faculty programme.

He also said that the JJB government would leave no room for an economic crisis to take place under its watch.

“Some sections are making attempts to fuel fear among the people that an economic crisis would emerge in 2028 when the country starts repaying its loans, plunging the country back into bankruptcy. Keep in mind that our government will be in office in 2028. We will not allow an economic crisis to happen in the future like in 2022, 2023. Our goal is to build reserves up to USD 15.1 billion by 2028. We are working towards it. We have a strong belief that we will have collected USD billion 15.1 billion in foreign reserves by that time.

“Today, USD 12.55 billion is subjected to debt restructuring plus the shirked payment of USD 1.7 billion. We have restructured USD 12.55 billion out of which USD 11.55 billion were loans taken between 2015-2019.I think If instructions had been given those days, the crisis wouldn’t have happened. Keep in mind that the instructions came in too late.”

“Soon after the general election, IMF started the 3rd review on Nov. 16. At the 2nd review , there were a number of benchmarks with the previous government. One of the main proposals as per the 2nd review was the rental tax on property which was to be enforced in 2025. A service export tax of 30% had been agreed. It had been agreed to remove the special trade levy in January 2025 and replace it with a value added tax. The same tax code was to be continued with personal income tax. It had been proposed to remove the SVAT by April 2025. SVAT makes it easier for businesspeople to claim refunds on the VAT they pay and support their cashflow. But it had been proposed to remove it.”

“When the 3rd review started, what did we propose? You know that there was a lot of disappointment over PAYE tax. associations of doctors, bank managers, university lecturers had expressed their dismay at PAYE tax.”

“We negotiated with the International Monetary Fund to raise the income tax threshold to 150,000 rupees a month from the current 100,000 rupees. The wages of a person earning 150,000 rupees will be 100 percent free from tax. The 6 percent tax on the first slab of 500,000 rupees will be raised to one million rupees. The tax on someone earning 200,000 rupees will be 71 percent free of tax. The salary of a person earning 250,000 will be 61 percent free, 300,000 rupees 47 percent free.Rs 350,000 a month will be free by 25 percent. We have been able to revise PAYE tax to give bigger benefits to lower income earnings and lower benefits to higher income earners.”

“We have agreed to raise the withholding tax on bank deposits to be raised from 5 to 10 percent. However, there will be a process where exemptions can be claimed by senior citizens who think that they shouldn’t be liable to this tax even if they earn a monthly interest of Rs. 150,000. A special division will be set up at the Inland Revenue Department to address such concerns.”

“The value added tax the previous government had imposed on local milk and yoghurt will also be removed, Corporate tax on services export which was to be raised to 30 percent will be reduced to 15 percent, as a result of our negotiations with the IMF,” the President said.



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Business

HNB Assurance climbs 13 places on LMD 100 rankings

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Lasitha Wimalaratne – CEO, HNB Assurance

HNB Assurance PLC (HNBA) made a significant ascent in the latest LMD 100 rankings climbing 13 places to reach rank 64, cementing its position as one of Sri Lanka’s leading listed companies. Throughout the past few years, HNB Assurance has grown stronger, smarter and more united in its purpose, turning challenges into opportunities and refining every aspect of its operations.

The LMD 100 is a prestigious annual ranking that evaluates the financial and strategic performance of publicly listed companies in Sri Lanka. HNB Assurance has consistently climbed the ranks year after year in recent years, reflecting the company’s sustained growth. With 2025 underway, HNB Assurance is planning to leverage its strengths and growth momentum maintained over the past couple of years, as this year represents the penultimate step in its ambitious journey toward achieving the vision of “10% market share by 2026”, a transformative goal that aims to redefine, elevate and position the company as a trailblazer in the industry.

Sharing his thoughts on the company’s new ranking, Lasitha Wimalarathne, Chief Executive Officer of HNB Assurance PLC, stated, “Our upward trajectory in the LMD 100 rankings reflects the collective efforts of our incredible team, the trust our customers have placed in us and our ability to adapt to the dynamic business landscape. At HNB Assurance, we remain committed to strengthening our core business, embracing innovation and delivering sustainable value to all our stakeholders.”

“As we step into 2025, it is inspiring to reflect on our journey so far. By the end of Q3 2024, we achieved growth that was well above the industry average, a remarkable feat we’ve consistently maintained since 2022. This success has been driven by the exceptional efforts of our sales force both from the Advisor Distribution and Partnerships channels, alongside the support of all our teams. I must also add that our vision for ‘10 in 2026’ is not merely a corporate milestone, it embodies our broader aspiration to transform lives, uplift communities and set new benchmarks in the industry. As the countdown to this goal continues, we will maintain our growth, while continuing to stive and create a lasting impact on the lives of our policyholders.” added, Wimalaratne.

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Sri Lanka Insurance further Expand its presence to Naiwala

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Sri Lanka Insurance further expands its presence in the Upper Western region with the opens its Naiwala Agency Business Development Center (ABDC) on the 12th of December at No.90/6/C, Airport Road, Naiwala junction, Veyangoda.

The occasion was graced by SLIC Life Chief Business Officer Namalee A. Silva, Deputy General Manager – National Sales (Life) Jagath Welgama, Upper Western regional management, Branch Management of Veyangoda representing Life and General categories. Distinguished invitees and customers of the area were also in attendance at the event.

Agency Business Development Centers (ABDC) allows SLIC to further enhance its reach, which provides convenience and speed of service delivery to its loyal customers in relation with their protection needs.

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CEAT Kelani Launches high-performance tractor tyre for Maha season

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CEAT Kelani Holdings has introduced a new high-performance tractor tyre, the 13.6 – 28 PUDDLE XL TT 12PR, just in time for the harvest phase of the Maha cultivation season. Designed specifically for agricultural use, this innovative cross-ply tyre promises to enhance farming efficiency and tractor operations.

Compatible with leading tractor brands such as Sonalika, TAFE, John Deere, and Mahindra, the tyre features advanced design elements tailored for puddling operations. Its higher non-skid depth (NSD) ensures superior traction in wet and muddy conditions, while wide and angular lugs improve stability and grip. The tyre’s deep and open shoulders allow for effective self-cleaning, and reinforced carcass construction extends its lifespan, offering excellent value for farmers.

This is the sixth tractor tyre variant developed and manufactured locally by CEAT Kelani Holdings, showcasing the company’s dedication to the agriculture sector.

CEAT Kelani Chief Operating Officer Shamal Gunawardene noted that the tyre addresses the unique challenges faced during the harvest period. “It ensures improved performance, durability, and reliability, empowering farmers and operators to achieve better productivity,” he said.

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