News
‘Revenue raised from new taxes, too, will be robbed, wasted’
GL asks govt. to secure int’l assistance to recover stolen money
By Shamindra Ferdinando
Former Foreign Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris yesterday (07) suggested that the government seriously consider securing UN support for the recovery of stolen public assets.
Addressing the media at the Nawala Office of ‘Nidahasa Jathika Sabhawa’ consisting of 13 rebel SLPP MPs, Prof. Peiris said the UN’s Stolen Asset Recovery Initiative (StAR), run by the World Bank Group and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, could help cash-strapped Sri Lanka to locate stolen funds.
He said Sri Lanka experiencing the worst ever post-independence economic crisis could utilise the StAR to nab those who had stashed away stolen funds, both here and overseas.
Prof. Peiris, who served as Foreign Minister twice (2010-2015 and August 2021-April 2022), said that the assistance of the international community and local organisation, specialising in anti-corruption activities, was required as successive governments failed to take tangible measures in that regard.
The recovery of stolen assets should be a priority for the government as it was struggling to cope up with further deterioration of the economic situation, the MP said.
Commenting on the drastic expansion of taxes, as key part of the overall measures to enhance government revenue, Prof. Peiris warned that unless action was taken to curb waste, corruption, irregularities and mismanagement in the public sector, even the new taxes couldn’t make a difference. Those who routinely misappropriated public funds would continue to do so, regardless of the economic fallout as repeatedly exposed by both print and electronic media, Prof. Peiris pointed out. Referring to recent reportage on the massive losses suffered by bankrupt Sri Lanka in the procurement of coal for Norochcholai coal-fired power plant complex and the proposed elevated highway from New Kelani Bridge to Athurugiriya revealed how those who were supposed to protect public interests manipulated the process, he alleged.
Prof. Peiris alleged that Wickremesinghe-Rajapaksa government hadn’t indicated any interest in curbing corruption though promises were made both in and out of parliament.
Speaking to The Island later, Prof. Peiris said that both President Ranil Wickremesinghe and Justice Minister Dr. Wijeyadasa Rajapakse, PC, since July this year referred to the proposed Anti-Corruption Bill several times. However, the government had conveniently ignored the shocking revelations made by parliamentary watchdog committees and the Auditor General, the rebel lawmaker said.
The AG’s assertion that those who had been in charge of procurement of a massive load of coal did nothing to negotiate a lower price in spite of the opportunity underscored the growing crisis, Prof. Peiris said.
The former Colombo University Vice Chancellor said that the sugar scam perpetrated in Oct 2020 revealed how influential parties could even manipulate the government at the highest level. Unfortunately, absolutely no action has been taken against those responsible though the Finance Ministry assured action would be taken following an inquiry by the Inland Revenue Department, Prof. Peiris said, adding that the government should take meaningful measures to streamline the tax collection process.
Referring to the ongoing controversy over Thico Group of Companies’ alleged involvement in misappropriation of billions of Rupees, Prof. Peiris said that Sri Lanka should use anti-money laundering laws efficiently. The vast majority of people were struggling to make ends meet while the government intended to tax them further regardless of consequences, the former minister said, urging the government to review its strategies.
The economic crisis couldn’t be addressed by taxing people to death to recover losses suffered by 2020 tax cuts, Prof. Peiris said.
Latest News
Maintaining public trust is a fundamental responsibility of the Police Department – President
Attending the passing out parade of the 82nd batch of the Special Task Force (STF) at the Katukurunda STF Training Camp in Kalutara on Monday (07), President Anura Kumara Disanayake emphasized the need for a progressive transformation within the Sri Lanka Police to ensure the rule of law, order and authority.
The President noted that the public places its trust in the Sri Lanka Police to uphold the supremacy of the law and maintaining that trust is a fundamental responsibility of the Police Department.
Addressing the newly commissioned officers, President Disanayake stated that how one serves and respects their profession is reflected in their career and urged the officers to embrace their professional duty in a way that contributes meaningfully to the transformative change the country requires.
Highlighting the current state of institutional breakdown in many sectors, the President pointed out that the people have already initiated change by altering the political authority, but reiterated that political transformation alone is insufficient. Instead, a comprehensive and positive transformation across all sectors is necessary for national progress.
The President further emphasized that new police officers carry the responsibility of meeting public expectations. He called on them to ensure public safety and security and to prevent the nation from falling prey to organized crime and drug-related issues.
He also stated that the younger generation must take responsibility for the motherland, bearing that duty on their shoulders and should strive to steer both their personal future and the future of the country in a positive direction.
President Disanayake concluded by saying that joining the regular service of the Sri Lanka Police today should be remembered by all as a significant and powerful step forward.
The President further noted that the service rendered by the Special Task Force (STF) on behalf of the public during times of emergency and disaster is highly commendable.
A total of 118 newly recruited Sub-Inspectors and 231 Probationary Police Constables who successfully completed their basic training graduated during the ceremony.
President Anura Kumara Disanayake awarded certificates and honours to officers who demonstrated exceptional performance during the training programme.
A commemorative token was also presented to President Disanayake, who attended the ceremony as the Chief Guest.
An operational demonstration by STF officers on a simulated battlefield was presented as part of the event.
Established in 1983 under the theme “Victory is Certain”, the Sri Lanka Police Special Task Force is currently recognized as a prestigious unit deployed for VIP protection, crime and organized crime suppression and narcotics control efforts aimed at building a drug-free nation.
The ceremony was attended by Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Ananda Wijepala, Minister of Health and Mass Media Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, Deputy Minister of Public Security Sunil Watagala, Secretary to the Ministry of Public Security Ravi Seneviratne, Acting Inspector General of Police Priyantha Weerasooriya, STF Commanding Officer Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police Samantha de Silva, along with other senior police officers, the parents of graduating officers and other invitees.
[PMD]
The Cabinet of Ministers approved the resolution furnished by the President, in his capacity as the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development to submit the following notification / order / rule published in the government gazette notification to the Parliament for its concurrence:
• Notification on the revision of tax limit of luxury on motor vehicles under the Finance Act No. 35 of 2018 published in the extraordinary gazette notification No. 2421 / 41 dated 31.01.2025.
• Rule issued under the Production Levy (Special Provisions) Act No. 13 of 1989 on revision of production levy rate for vehicles operated with electricity published in the extraordinary gazette notification No. 2421 / 42 dated 31.01.2025
• Order issued under the Finance Act No. 25 of 2003 on extension of the period on which the 50% relief is active which is given to the deviation levy published in the extraordinary gazette notification No. 2421 / 30 dated 31.01.2025
Although there are legal provisions for the right to publish, technical planning, right of patent, trademarks and enterprises etc, in the Intellectual Property Act No. 36 of 2003, there are no provisions for securing the rights of plant species (relevant to breeders, researchers and farmers).
In addition, no patents can be issued for flora and fauna according to the provisions of the intellectual rights act. Therefore, approval of the Cabinet of Ministers was granted at their meeting held on 22.05.2024 to introduce a new act for securing the rights of plant species.
Wherefore, the Legal Draftsman has pointed out that policy approval of the new Cabinet of Ministers should be taken to complete the drafting of the new flora species rights securing act.
Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers granted approval to the proposals submitted by the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation for the preparation of the said draft bill.
Maintaining public trust is a fundamental responsibility of the Police Department – President
Submission of gazette notifications for the concurrence of the Parliament.
Cabinet approval to prepare new Act for securing the rights of plant species
-
Business2 days agoColombo Coffee wins coveted management awards
-
Features3 days agoStarlink in the Global South
-
Business4 days agoDaraz Sri Lanka ushers in the New Year with 4.4 Avurudu Wasi Pro Max – Sri Lanka’s biggest online Avurudu sale
-
Business5 days agoStrengthening SDG integration into provincial planning and development process
-
Business4 days agoNew SL Sovereign Bonds win foreign investor confidence
-
Sports6 days agoTo play or not to play is Richmond’s decision
-
Features3 days agoModi’s Sri Lanka Sojourn
-
Sports5 days agoNew Zealand under 85kg rugby team set for historic tour of Sri Lanka